Celtics' Jayson Tatum gets 'icing on the cake' in playoff series against 76ers

The Celtics star is excited for the playoffs after overcoming a torn Achilles injury earlier this season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, with the players and court rendered in an abstract, cubist style that captures the intensity and energy of the playoff matchup.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff clash between the Celtics and 76ers, with Jayson Tatum at the center of the action.Boston Today

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is thrilled to be back playing in the playoffs after missing significant time due to a torn Achilles tendon. Despite feeling he's not quite 100% yet, Tatum is grateful for the opportunity and is determined to help the Celtics make a deep postseason run, starting with a first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Why it matters

Tatum's return from a major injury is a feel-good story, but the Celtics will need him to be at his best if they hope to make a championship push. The 76ers present a tough challenge, especially with star center Joel Embiid sidelined, as they have developed a deep and balanced roster around Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.

The details

Tatum averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in 16 regular season games after returning from the Achilles injury. The Celtics went 13-3 with him in the lineup, outscoring opponents by 10.5 points per 100 possessions. However, Tatum still feels he's not quite 100% himself and is eager to regain his full form in the playoffs. The 76ers will be a tough test, with Maxey and George leading the way in Embiid's absence, and the team crashing the offensive glass at a high rate.

  • Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in May 2025.
  • Tatum returned to action in March 2026 after a 48-week recovery.
  • The Celtics and 76ers will begin their first-round playoff series on Sunday.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The star forward for the Boston Celtics who is making his return to the playoffs after missing significant time due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Tyrese Maxey

The speedy All-Star guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who will be a key threat for the Celtics to contain in the first-round playoff series.

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who has been ruled out of Game 1 of the playoff series due to an appendix issue.

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What they’re saying

“The playoffs wasn't a sure thing. And now that I get that opportunity, couldn't be more happy.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics Star

“You could look up at a box score, and he can have 40 points, and half of those could be in transition or at the free-throw line. So he tests your discipline to be able to defend him.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Head Coach

What’s next

The Celtics and 76ers will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday. The status of Joel Embiid's injury will be a key storyline to monitor as the series progresses.

The takeaway

Jayson Tatum's return from a major injury has been an inspiring story, but the Celtics will need him to be at his best if they hope to make a deep playoff run. The 76ers present a tough challenge, especially with their depth and balance in Embiid's absence, and Tatum will have to overcome any lingering limitations from the injury to lead Boston to victory.