Celtics Star Tatum Cleared to Play After Achilles Injury

All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum will return to the lineup against the Hornets after missing time with a torn Achilles.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:34pm

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been upgraded to 'available' for Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, after initially being listed as 'questionable' due to his recovery from a severe Achilles injury. Tatum, a four-time All-NBA first-team selection, returned to action on March 6 less than 10 months after undergoing surgery to repair the torn Achilles he suffered during last year's playoffs.

Why it matters

Tatum's return is a major boost for the Celtics as they look to avenge a blowout loss to the Hornets earlier this month. The 24-year-old forward is a cornerstone of the Celtics' franchise and his health is crucial to the team's playoff aspirations.

The details

Tatum tore his Achilles during the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the New York Knicks on May 13, 2025. He underwent successful surgery and has been working his way back to full strength over the past 10 months. Tatum made his return on March 6, helping the Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks 120-100. The Celtics will now look for Tatum to play a key role as they try to even the season series against the Hornets, who won the previous matchup 118-89 on March 4.

  • Tatum tore his Achilles on May 13, 2025 during the playoffs.
  • Tatum underwent surgery and has been recovering for the past 10 months.
  • Tatum made his return on March 6, 2026 in a win over the Mavericks.
  • The Celtics play the Hornets on March 29, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A 24-year-old four-time All-NBA first-team selection and cornerstone of the Boston Celtics franchise.

Boston Celtics

An NBA team based in Boston, Massachusetts that Jayson Tatum plays for.

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA team based in Charlotte, North Carolina that the Celtics will be playing against.

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What’s next

The Celtics will look to Tatum to play a key role as they try to even the season series against the Hornets, who won the previous matchup 118-89 on March 4.

The takeaway

Jayson Tatum's return from a severe Achilles injury is a significant development for the Celtics, as the 24-year-old All-NBA star is a crucial part of the team's playoff aspirations. His health and continued recovery will be closely watched as the Celtics aim to make a deep postseason run.