Celtics Star Tatum Returns to MSG After Achilles Injury

Emotional homecoming for Boston forward as team eyes playoff spot

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movement and emotions, with sharp, overlapping planes in shades of green and orange.Tatum's emotional return to the site of his devastating injury will be a pivotal moment in the Celtics' playoff push.Boston Today

Nearly 11 months after suffering a torn Achilles tendon at Madison Square Garden, Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is set to return to the same floor on Thursday night with playoff implications on the line. The Celtics can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win.

Why it matters

Tatum's return to the site of his devastating injury last season will be an emotional moment, both for the player and the fans. The Celtics are in a tight race for playoff positioning, so this game carries high stakes as they look to secure home-court advantage in the postseason.

The details

Tatum, one of the NBA's rising young stars, suffered the Achilles injury during a game at Madison Square Garden in May 2025. After a lengthy rehabilitation process, the 23-year-old forward is now set to take the court at the same arena where his season was cut short just under a year ago.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury at Madison Square Garden in May 2025.
  • Tatum is set to return to the same court on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A 23-year-old forward for the Boston Celtics who is one of the NBA's rising young stars. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon at Madison Square Garden in May 2025 and is now set to return to the same court.

Boston Celtics

An NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts that is currently in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I've thought about it.”

— Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics Forward

What’s next

The Celtics can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

The takeaway

Tatum's return to the site of his devastating injury will be an emotional moment, but the Celtics are focused on securing a favorable playoff position as they make a push for the NBA championship.