Celtics Announce Jayson Tatum Will Miss Hornets Clash

Tatum continues to rehab Achilles injury, eyes return in front of home crowd

Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:03pm

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The Boston Celtics announced that star forward Jayson Tatum will miss Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets as he continues to rehab his Achilles injury. Tatum has been sidelined all season but is nearing a return, with speculation he could make his season debut at home in the near future.

Why it matters

Tatum's return is highly anticipated for the Celtics, who are looking to make a deep playoff run this season. His absence has been felt, as the team has struggled at times without their leading scorer from a year ago.

The details

Tatum has been working his way back from the Achilles injury he suffered in the offseason. While he was initially considered a game-time decision for the Hornets matchup, the Celtics ultimately ruled him out. The team has indicated Tatum wants to make his return in front of the home crowd at TD Garden, so his next opportunity will likely come on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

  • Tatum has been rehabbing his Achilles injury all season long.
  • The Celtics take on the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, March 3, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • Tatum's next chance to return will be on Friday, March 5, 2026 when the Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks.

The players

Jayson Tatum

Star forward for the Boston Celtics who is sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Jaylen Brown

Celtics guard who is set to return to action against the Hornets after missing the previous game.

Neemias Queta

Celtics center who is also set to return against the Hornets after missing the previous game.

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What’s next

Tatum's next shot at suiting up will come on Friday, when the C's take on the Dallas Mavericks.

The takeaway

Tatum's return is highly anticipated for the Celtics, who are looking to make a deep playoff run this season. While he will miss the Hornets game, all signs point to Tatum making his season debut in the near future, likely at home in front of the TD Garden crowd.