Jayson Tatum, Jayson Tatum injury update, Celtics title odds, Celtics
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Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on October 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Boston Celtics fell to the Detroit Pistons 104-103 on Monday night in a defensive battle that came down to the final possession.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 32 points but could not convert a potential game-winner at the buzzer. The loss dropped the Celtics to 26-16 and marked their second one-possession defeat in just over a week.
But before tip-off, another storyline dominated the morning. The news surrounded Jayson Tatum.
Mazzulla On Tatum’s Return Timeline
Head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about Tatum’s timeline and what to expect when he returns. His response was blunt, in typical Mazzulla fashion.
“I failed medical school,” Mazzulla said.
The question came after Tatum spent 45 minutes working out in front of reporters on Monday morning.
The Celtics coach is not putting a date on Tatum’s return. He is not predicting what version of Tatum will be available. He is leaving all of that to the medical staff.
The coaching staff will adjust to whatever timeline emerges. Until then, Boston keeps doing what it has done all season. Win games without Tatum on the floor.
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Joe Mazzulla when asked about Jayson Tatum’s timeline and what the expectation should be when he returns:
“I failed medical school.”🤣 – @CLNSMedia
Tatum Clears An Injury Milestone
Monday marked the first time Tatum has allowed media to watch him work extensively since he ruptured his Achilles last May.
Tatum has had access to gyms on every road trip this season. He has consistently worked out after media sessions ended, keeping his rehab private. Monday was different.
Tatum worked through shooting drills from multiple spots. The workout showed real progress. He practiced pull-ups off the dribble, and attacked the rim for dunks while assistant coach Tony Dobbins defended him with physicality.
The intensity was not game speed, but the movement was confident. Tatum exploded vertically on dunks. He hit shots from his typical midrange areas. And he did it all knowing reporters were documenting every rep.
Noa Dalzell 🏀
Jayson Tatum dunk!
This is by far his most extensive workout in front of media since the injury
White Discusses Tatum’s Progression
Derrick White addressed Tatum’s recovery during his media availability.
“It’s been amazing to see all the work he’s putting in,” White said. “You see him around more, able to do more. That’s exciting as a friend. Every day he’s working hard, and you see that translate into more movement, more opportunities.”
Tatum has been present for nearly every practice, shootaround, and film session this season. He has traveled with the team consistently. And over the past few weeks, his sideline presence has shifted.
He has become more vocal. More animated. More engaged during games. Thursday’s win over Miami was a clear example. Anfernee Simons scored 39 points in a comeback victory, and Tatum was on his feet celebrating throughout the fourth quarter.
“He knows the game, knows the system,” White said. “When you’re struggling, he’s there picking you up. Having a guy like that around is impactful.”
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Derrick White on Jayson Tatum’s recovery and his value to the team even while he’s sidelined:
“It’s been amazing to see all the work he’s put in, you just kind of see him being around more and being able to do more so that’s exciting to see.”
“He knows the game, he knows
Final Word for the Celtics
It has been around eight months since Tatum ruptured his Achilles.
Joe Mazzulla will not give a timeline.
But Tatum’s workout Monday morning said enough. It was the most extensive session he has allowed reporters to watch since the injury. His presence on the bench has intensified. And his teammates see the work translating into real movement.
Boston sits 26-16 without Tatum. They rank second in offensive rating and net rating. They are legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Adding Tatum back turns them into something else entirely. Championship contenders. When that happens depends on the medical staff. Until then, Mazzulla keeps deflecting. And the Celtics keep winning.