The NBA is getting into the thick of the playoff race. Multiple teams will be vying for playoff and play-in positioning.
The current projected second-seed in the Eastern Conference is the Boston Celtics. On Thursday, they received great news regarding their star Jayson Tatum.
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Shams Charania of ESPN reported Thursday that Tatum is set to return this season and could return to the Celtics as early as Friday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. This comes only 10 months after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
In the postseason last summer, Tatum was injured on a non-contact play. It was revealed that his injury was not only season-ending, but also put his immediate future in doubt.
The six-time All-Star returns to the Celtics at a critical point in the season. Not only can Tatum’s presence push the Celtics to the playoffs, but it could push them to the NBA Finals.
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Tatum and the Celtics are only two years removed from winning their most recent NBA Finals. Though the Celtics have managed without him on the court, Tatum’s presence will no doubt provide a huge elevation.
Oct 8, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks on from the bench during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
It is unclear what the former first-round pick out of Duke will have workload-wise. It can be expected that he will be worked into the lineup.
Tatum’s miraculous time frame of recovery could be the NBA’s biggest story if the Celtics can take advantage.
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