In one dramatic moment, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon late in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, sidelining him for nearly 10 months and leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return.
The injury usually takes players out for an entire season. This is likely the case for Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Indiana Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton. However, there have been consistent reports that Tatum could return this season, and now it appears that may indeed be the case.
Jayson Tatum Expected to Play Friday Against Dallas
Thursday, the Celtics listed Tatum as questionable for Friday’s game with Dallas. However, ESPN Insider Shams Charania expects Tatum to play on Friday.
“Sources tell me that Jayson Tatum has been fully cleared to play this season and is expected to make his season debut for the Celtics on Friday at home at TD Garden against the Dallas Mavericks,” reports Charania.
He added, “This comes less than 10 months after he underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.”
Given these developments, it’s notable that the Celtics have been a bit of a surprise this season. After Tatum’s injury, the Celtics retooled by trading Jrue Holiday to the Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta (Porzingis later went to Golden State), aiming to save money.
Injury Report for tomorrow vs. DAL:
Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles Repair – QUESTIONABLE
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 5, 2026
The Celtics made those moves and have been without Tatum for the entire season. Despite this, they are 41-21 with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. They remain six games behind the first-place team (six in the loss column).
Catching them seems unlikely. However, it could allow the Celtics to hold their 1.5-game lead over the Knicks (two in the loss column) and 2.5-game lead over the fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers (three in the loss column).
MORE: Kristaps Porziņģis Injury Update: Warriors Insider Delivers Latest News on Big Man’s Return
Despite their success, there has been no pressure from the organization to play this season.
“In the last 24 hours, Tatum has been described to me as ready to go. He’s checked all the boxes. The Celtics have not pressured him throughout this process, throughout his rehab.” Charania explains.
He then spoke of what the team had allowed their star forward:
“They’ve allowed him to be in the driver’s seat and lead this and he’s been playing five on fives for well over the last month, increasing his conditioning, increasing the strength in his Achilles, his calf, his feet, and now with 19 games left in the Celtics season, a team that’s trying to contend for a championship, Jason Tatum is on his way back likely on Friday.”
Amidst this backdrop, Tatum maintained high expectations and remained determined to play this season. “Jason Tatum made it his mission to play this season,” Charania said.
“So you think about ever since the day he underwent surgery, he set a goal for himself. He had daily, two, three sessions for his rehab. It’s a strenuous process. And my understanding is that he traveled to every road game. He attended every practice for the Celtics this season,” he added about Tatum’s determination.
Charania concluded, “So now, 295 days after the injury, 294 days after surgery, he is set to return, and he has championship aspirations. He has aspirations of contending and competing.”
With Tatum returning and Jaylen Brown playing at a high level, the Celtics are a team no one wants to face this postseason. They also made a significant deal before the deadline, sending Anfernee Simons to the Bulls for veteran center Nikola Vučević.
If Tatum is healthy and the supporting cast continues their level of play, the Celtics are a true threat to win their second title in three seasons.
