Celtics Fans Disappointed as Jayson Tatum Remains Out

Boston's star forward will miss Sunday's game against the 76ers as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:47am

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The Boston Celtics' fanbase had been eagerly anticipating the return of star forward Jayson Tatum, who has been sidelined since last season's playoffs due to a torn Achilles. However, the team has announced that Tatum will remain out for Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, dashing hopes that he would make his season debut.

Why it matters

Tatum's absence has forced other Celtics players, particularly Jaylen Brown, to step up and take on larger roles. While the team has positioned itself well in the standings without Tatum, his eventual return is seen as a potential game-changer that could make the Celtics a formidable playoff contender.

The details

Tatum has yet to play this season after suffering the torn Achilles injury in last season's playoffs. The Celtics have been taking a cautious approach with his recovery, and they will continue to do so, not wanting to rush him back too soon from the serious injury.

  • Tatum has been out since the end of last season's playoffs.
  • The Celtics are scheduled to play the 76ers on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Boston Celtics' star forward, who has been sidelined since the end of last season due to a torn Achilles injury.

Jaylen Brown

A Celtics player who has stepped up in Tatum's absence, earning some MVP support for his strong play.

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What they’re saying

“The Celtics say Jayson Tatum remains out Sunday against Philadelphia.”

— Marc Stein

What’s next

The Celtics will continue to monitor Tatum's recovery and provide updates on his potential return timeline. The team is hopeful that he will be able to rejoin the lineup at some point this season and provide a boost to their playoff aspirations.

The takeaway

Tatum's continued absence is a disappointment for Celtics fans, but the team has shown resilience in his absence, led by the strong play of Jaylen Brown. When Tatum does eventually return, the Celtics could become an even more formidable playoff contender, provided they continue to take a cautious approach with his recovery.