BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on from the bench during the second half at TD Garden on November 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Clippers 121-118. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on from the bench during the second half at TD Garden on November 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Clippers 121-118. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
There won’t be any shocking season debuts for the Boston Celtics on Sunday, March 1. Jayson Tatum has been ruled out on the Celtics’ injury report.
Although the star forward recently returned to the practice court and has been cleared to participate in 5-on-5 action, the Celtics aren’t rolling Tatum out on the court for a game just yet.
Marc Stein
The Celtics say Jayson Tatum remains out Sunday against Philadelphia:
Tatum is joined on the Celtics’ injury report by Baylor Scheierman, who is dealing with a thumb fracture.
The Jayson Tatum Return Hype Was Building
GettyJayson Tatum started getting return hype this week, as the Boston Celtics prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury in the second-round series against the New York Knicks.
As soon as he went down, his availability for the 2025-2026 NBA season immediately came into question. However, Tatum refused to call it a year.
In the weeks leading up to training camp, Tatum teased a speedy recovery. All signs were pointing to Tatum returning to the court for the Celtics in the spring, if they were making a playoff push.
Not only are the Celtics making a playoff push–they are one of the top teams in the NBA. With an MVP-caliber year put together by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are 39-20, which places them second in the Eastern Conference.
The New York Knicks trail the Celtics by 1.5 games.
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In the absence of Tatum, Jaylen Brown has appeared in 53 games. The star forward is shooting 48% from the field and knocking down 34% of his shots from beyond the arc. He is producing 29.1 points per game, along with 7.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Earlier this month, Tatum addressed reporters to update the public on where he’s at in his recovery.
“Today is 39 weeks [since the Achilles tear] so it’s been a long journey,” Tatum told reporters. “And it’s just the progression of rehab, [this was] the next step. Doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not. We’re just following the plan. It was just another step. I just feel a little bit better every day, and I just try and focus on that.”
As the season reaches the final stretch, Tatum seems to be making good progress to return. However, Sunday’s action against the Sixers will not be his debut for the year.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla will likely address where Tatum’s at ahead of the March 1 battle. The Celtics will hit the road right after to travel to Wisconsin to close out a back-to-back set against the Milwaukee Bucks.