Celtics' Tatum Nearing Return from Achilles Injury

Bill Simmons predicts Jayson Tatum will make his comeback against the Mavericks

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:55pm

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The Boston Celtics have been thriving this season, and the team could get even better soon with the potential return of star player Jayson Tatum from his Achilles injury. According to NBA analyst Bill Simmons, all signs are pointing to Tatum making his comeback on Friday when the Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, who have been playing well without their best player. His addition could help propel the team to even greater success this season as they look to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Tatum has been participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with the team, a positive sign in his recovery process. The team and Tatum are focused on ensuring he is 100% physically and mentally ready before returning to game action. Simmons believes Tatum will make his return on Friday against the Mavericks, which would be a highly anticipated matchup aired on national television.

  • Tatum has been participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics in recent days.
  • Simmons predicts Tatum will make his return on Friday, March 7, 2026 when the Celtics host the Mavericks.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The star forward for the Boston Celtics who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Bill Simmons

A prominent NBA analyst and podcaster who has predicted Tatum's return date.

Shams Charania

An ESPN reporter who provided an update on Tatum's progress in his recovery.

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What they’re saying

“Tatum, it feels like it's going to be Friday against Dallas. All signs are pointing to Friday. I was wondering if it would be this weekend, but by Friday, I think it was not going to be this weekend.”

— Bill Simmons, NBA Analyst

“Jayson Tatum has been a full go in 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics. Right now, it's about him continuing to put in the time, continuing to get his conditioning up and that comes through a number of practices and scrimmages. And there are two elements at play. One is increasing the strength in both of his calves off of that Achilles tendon injury, and the big hurdle of all of this is getting 100 percent there on the mental side, getting the confidence in his leg fully when he's back.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Tatum's potential return could be a game-changer for the Celtics, who have been playing well without their star. His addition would give the team a major boost as they look to make a deep playoff run. However, the team and Tatum are focused on ensuring he is fully healthy and confident before returning to game action.