Boston Celtics Surge Toward Second Seed With Tatum's Return

Star forward Jayson Tatum rejoins lineup after 10-month Achilles injury absence.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:21am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of blues, greens, and oranges.Tatum's return from injury injects new energy into the Celtics' championship aspirations.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics have maintained their position as the second-best team in the Eastern Conference as the 2025-26 NBA regular season nears its conclusion, coinciding with the return of star forward Jayson Tatum. Tatum, a six-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion, made his return on March 6, 2026, after undergoing surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process following a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in the playoffs last season.

Why it matters

Tatum's return is expected to significantly impact the Celtics' offensive dynamics as they position themselves for a championship run in the playoffs. The team has continued its win-now strategy despite Tatum's absence, and his reintegration into the lineup could shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.

The details

To facilitate Tatum's return this season, he underwent surgery the morning after the injury occurred at Madison Square Garden, with the timing intended to prevent swelling that could have delayed his recovery. Tatum's rehabilitation process involved studying the recovery of Kobe Bryant, focusing on mental hurdles and trusting his body again before being cleared for game action. In the 11 games played since his return, Tatum has averaged 20.9 points per game, with a shooting efficiency of 39.9% overall and 32.3% from three-point range.

  • Tatum suffered the torn right Achilles tendon injury late in Game 4 of the second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks in 2025.
  • Tatum underwent surgery the morning after the injury occurred at Madison Square Garden.
  • Tatum returned to action on March 6, 2026, in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion, Tatum is the star forward for the Boston Celtics who missed 10 months of action due to a torn right Achilles tendon injury.

Kobe Bryant

A legendary NBA player who documented his own Achilles injury recovery, and whose experience Tatum studied during his rehabilitation process.

Brad Stevens

The president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, who has maintained the team's win-now strategy despite Tatum's absence.

Dominique Wilkins

A Hall of Fame NBA player who suffered an Achilles tear in 1992 and has expressed confidence in Tatum's ability to return to his previous form.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star forward who has played alongside Tatum, and whose on-court chemistry with Tatum has been a key factor in the team's success.

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What they’re saying

“There aren't many bigger fans of Jayson Tatum right now than me.”

— Dominique Wilkins, Hall of Famer

What’s next

As the postseason approaches, the Celtics are positioning themselves for a championship run, with Tatum's return expected to shift the offensive dynamics of the team.

The takeaway

Tatum's recovery and return to the Celtics' lineup has been a significant development in the team's quest for a championship this season. The Celtics have maintained their position as one of the top teams in the East despite Tatum's absence, and his reintegration could provide the boost they need to make a deep playoff run.