It’s almost time.
After weeks of waiting, speculation and medical caution, the word is out: Jayson Tatum will play again this season.
The Celtics’ forward is expected back Friday at the TD Garden against the Dallas Mavericks, according to insider Shams Charania.
Suddenly Boston’s season has a new pulse.
Weeks of waiting — finally a date
The signs had been stacking up. Boston even hinted Tatum could be a “game-time decision” for the Hornets match. He didn’t play, but he was clearly close.
The suspense didn’t last long. Shams Charania reports the Celtics’ superstar will be back this week.
BREAKING: Boston Celtics All-NBA star Jayson Tatum will play this season and could make his debut on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks – less than 10 months after surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. pic.twitter.com/2TCWXuXQK1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2026
That news flips the franchise’s outlook overnight. When Tatum’s on the floor, Boston isn’t just competitive — they’re a real threat at the top of the East.
A fast return that’s got the whole league talking
Still, it raises questions.
Tatum is coming back from a ruptured Achilles, an injury that usually takes many months, sometimes more than a year, to heal for pro athletes.
No NBA player has come back this fast after that kind of injury.
How will his body hold up?
What pace will he find?
How many minutes will he log?
We’ll only get answers with time.
Boston gets its leader back
For the Celtics, the main thing is obvious.
Get their franchise player back.
Get their offensive engine running again.
Get someone who can flip a game in a handful of possessions.
TD Garden should give him one hell of an ovation on his return.
And for Boston, the season might really kick back into life from that moment.
Photo by Luiza Moraes / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
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