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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the TD Garden on March 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics keep getting positive signs towards Jayson Tatum returning to the court this season, and even the odds markets are trending that way. Tatum was originally expected to miss the entire season after tearing his Achilles in the NBA Playoffs last season. A perfect combination of Tatum working hard behind the scenes and Boston overachieving so far this season sees the return rumors picking up steam.
Another positive sign featured the oddsmaker site Polymarket seeing a major rise today in their odds for Tatum returning this season. The market now sees an 87% chance that Tatum will play a game this season and return before the postseason. Polymarket saw that number at 73% yesterday to indicate a huge rise. Celtics fans seeing another strong postseason run on the line are hoping it’s true.
Tatum has been talking about working towards a return since the start of the season, when appearing on ESPN’s First Take. Most players in his situation would have taken it easy, but Tatum sees a chance for a title run at play here. Boston looks good without him and would become a legitimate NBA Finals contender if he’s back.
Tatum Has Put Some Doubt Into Return
A recent comment from Tatum made NBA pundits that were fully expecting him back to question a return. Tatum stated that he hasn’t decided either way and is still figuring out his next move. Progress has shown that Tatum is getting closer to being cleared and should have the chance to officially decide soon.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has said that he plans to contend for an NBA Championship this season, but he hasn’t named Tatum’s return as why he feels that way. Boston has a chance to finish with a top two seed and would have home court advantage over any East team but the Detroit Pistons in this scenario.
If the Celtics were fighting for a play-in seed or in the draft lottery seeds, Tatum would have less temptation to return. The table is set for everything Tatum wanted when creating higher expectations for a faster return date during the offseason comments.
Will Tatum Hurt Jaylen Brown’s Ascension?
The main reason for Boston overachieving this season is Jaylen Brown taking his game to another level. Pundits around the league already viewed Brown as an All-Star and a great winning basketball player. However, he’s involved in MVP conversations today after taking his game to new heights.
Some concern has been expressed by Celtics fans about Brown having to take a backseat to Tatum if the latter returns soon. Tatum will still likely have minutes and various other restrictions in play to hold him back from reaching his usual All-NBA level this early into a return.
Brown should have the freedom to continue being “the guy” and leading the offense. Tatum adds another star to change the landscape and give Boston more options in tough games. The dynamic duo has always thrived together, and this season should be no different if Tatum suits up, like Polymarket expects.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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