Celtics Star Tatum Prepares for Emotional Knicks Return

Jayson Tatum set to play in first game at Madison Square Garden since suffering torn Achilles last May.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:36am

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is preparing to play his first game at Madison Square Garden since suffering a devastating torn Achilles tendon last May. Tatum, 28, has been steadily rounding into form after a slow start to the season, but admits he is not "thrilled" to return to the site of his career-threatening injury. The Celtics and Knicks will face off in a nationally-televised matchup, with Tatum looking to lead his team to victory and make a statement as the playoffs approach.

Why it matters

Tatum's return to Madison Square Garden will be an emotionally-charged moment, as the star forward reflects on the career-altering injury he suffered on that court less than a year ago. The game also has major Eastern Conference playoff implications, with the Celtics and Knicks jockeying for position in the standings.

The details

Tatum suffered the torn Achilles tendon during a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden last May. He has been working his way back to full strength over the past 10 months, and is now averaging 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game on the season. In his last four games, those numbers have improved to 23.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists. Tatum has acknowledged the mixed emotions he is feeling about returning to the site of his devastating injury, but is determined to lead the Celtics to victory.

  • Tatum suffered the torn Achilles tendon during a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden last May.
  • Tatum has been working his way back to full strength over the past 10 months.
  • The Celtics and Knicks will face off in a nationally-televised game on Thursday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A 28-year-old forward for the Boston Celtics who is a four-time NBA All-Star. Tatum is returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time since suffering a torn Achilles tendon in a game against the Knicks last May.

Boston Celtics

An NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts that has won a record 17 NBA championships. The Celtics are currently 54-28 on the season and are jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

New York Knicks

An NBA franchise based in New York City that has won two NBA championships. The Knicks defeated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season and are looking to repeat that success in this year's matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not like, thrilled, to go back and play there. Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics Forward

“Hopefully I ain't breaking no rule, but yeah, I plan on playing Thursday.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics Forward

What’s next

The Celtics and Knicks will face off in a nationally-televised game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, April 11, 2026. All eyes will be on Jayson Tatum as he returns to the site of his devastating injury less than a year ago.

The takeaway

Tatum's return to Madison Square Garden will be an emotionally-charged moment, as the star forward reflects on the career-altering injury he suffered on that court. However, Tatum is determined to lead the Celtics to victory and make a statement as the playoffs approach, despite the mixed feelings he has about playing in the arena again.