Celtics Get Jayson Tatum Back for NBA Finals Push

Star forward set to return from Achilles injury as Jaylen Brown leads Boston to top of East

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Boston Celtics are nearing the return of star forward Jayson Tatum, who has been sidelined for 10 months due to an Achilles tendon rupture suffered in last year's NBA playoffs. While Tatum's return will be a boost, the Celtics have thrived in his absence behind the MVP-caliber play of Jaylen Brown, who has guided the team to a 41-20 record and the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

Tatum's return could make the Celtics an even more formidable contender in the East, potentially setting up a showdown with the Detroit Pistons in the conference finals. However, Tatum will have a minutes restriction and will need to find his rhythm alongside Brown, who has emerged as the team's clear leader in Tatum's absence.

The details

According to reports, Tatum could return as soon as Friday when the Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks. However, there may be an adjustment period as Tatum tries to regain his form and fit in alongside Brown, who is enjoying a career-best season and has established himself as the team's go-to option.

  • Tatum has been sidelined for 10 months since suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in last year's NBA playoffs.
  • Tatum could return as soon as Friday, March 8, 2026 when the Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A five-time NBA All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who is nearing his return from a devastating Achilles injury.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer this season, averaging 29.0 points per game and emerging as an MVP candidate in Tatum's absence.

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What they’re saying

“When we get to April, while I don't think we'll see the version of Jayson Tatum that we saw last year, we'll see a version of him that's going to be a productive part of this team.”

— Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated Reporter (FanDuel TV)

“Twenty-five minutes of Jayson Tatum is better than 25 minutes you're getting from a lot of the guys that are on this roster.”

— Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated Reporter (FanDuel TV)

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 return could make the Celtics an even more formidable contender in the East, but they will need to carefully manage his minutes and integration alongside Jaylen Brown, who has emerged as the team's clear leader in Tatum's absence.