Jayson Tatum, Celtics Rise In Brand New Power Rankings From NBA.com

Celtics move up to No. 4 in latest NBA.com power rankings despite tough upcoming schedule

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Boston Celtics, led by star player Jayson Tatum, have moved up to No. 4 in the latest NBA.com power rankings. Tatum recently returned from a 10-month absence due to an Achilles injury and has helped the Celtics to a 43-21 record so far this season. However, the Celtics face a tough upcoming schedule, with 12 of their remaining 18 games against teams with winning records.

Why it matters

The Celtics' rise in the power rankings despite Tatum's recent return from injury shows the team's resilience and the star power of Tatum. However, the tough upcoming schedule could pose a challenge as the Celtics look to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The details

According to the NBA.com power rankings, the Celtics are now ranked No. 4, behind only the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Detroit Pistons. The Celtics have the second-best net rating, offensive rating, and defensive rating in the NBA, despite playing at the slowest pace in the league. Tatum shot 12-for-32 (38%) in his first two games back, but also had 15 rebounds and 9 assists, showcasing his well-rounded game.

  • Tatum returned to the court less than 10 months after an Achilles rupture.
  • The latest NBA.com power rankings were published on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A star player for the Boston Celtics who recently returned to the court less than 10 months after an Achilles rupture.

Boston Celtics

An NBA team that has a 43-21 record so far this season and has moved up to No. 4 in the latest NBA.com power rankings.

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What they’re saying

“The Celtics got clobbered by the Hornets on Wednesday, but they're undefeated (2-0) with Jayson Tatum, who moved pretty well upon returning from a 10-month absence.”

— John Schuhmann, NBA.com writer (NBA.com)

“Tatum shot just 12-for-32 (38%), but he totaled 15 rebounds and nine assists in his 54 minutes in the Celtics' wins over Dallas and Cleveland.”

— John Schuhmann, NBA.com writer (NBA.com)

What’s next

The Celtics have a tough week ahead, with road games against the Spurs and Thunder on the schedule. The team will need to continue to perform well despite the challenging upcoming opponents.

The takeaway

Jayson Tatum's return from injury has helped propel the Celtics up the NBA power rankings, showcasing the team's resilience and Tatum's star power. However, the Celtics face a daunting upcoming schedule, which will test their ability to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.