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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images). (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Preparing for their Sunday night matchup against the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers made it clear that they wouldn’t be surprised if Jayson Tatum made his 2025-2026 NBA season debut.
According to the head coach Nick Nurse, there was some level of preparation there for the long-awaited return of the star forward. Ultimately, the Celtics ruled Tatum out on Saturday, February 28. There was no chance of him returning by Sunday’s action in Boston.
In the absence of Tatum, the Celtics took care of business once again. Boston defeated the Sixers 114-98 at home to collect their 40th win of the year.
If and when Tatum returns, the Celtics will be in great shape.
Bill Simmons Predicts Jayson Tatum’s Target Date
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
GettyJayson Tatum is expected to make his season debut with the Boston Celtics soon.
Most of the basketball world felt that Sunday’s game was the logical return date for Tatum.
Recently, the star forward was cleared for 5-on-5 action and has seemingly made great progress in his recovery. Seeing as though the Sixers-Celtics matchup was a primetime outing at home for Boston, it seemed like the right time.
Now, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons predicts the next possible target date for Tatum’s season debut: Friday, March 6.
“Tatum, it feels like it’s going to be Friday at Dallas,” Simmons said. “All signs are pointing to Friday Dallas. I was wondering if it would be this weekend, but by Friday, I think it was not going to be this weekend. It might be [an NBC game].”
On Monday, March 2, the Celtics are set to close out a back-to-back set with a road matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Then on Wednesday, March 4, the Celtics will return home to host the Charlotte Hornets.
Friday’s game against the Mavericks will be broadcast on ESPN, giving the Celtics a chance to roll out their returning superstar on a national stage.
The Celtics Have A Great Standing Waiting For Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown Injury Update, Jaylen Brown NBA MVP race, Jayson Tatum injury return, Celtics injury report vs. Nuggets, Celtics game, Celtics news, Denver Nuggets
GettyJaylen Brown is dominating this season, keeping the Boston Celtics competitive.
When Tatum went down with his Achilles injury in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, many expected the Celtics to take a massive hit in 2025-2026.
Initially, the season was viewed as a potential gap year, especially with departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday.
Instead, the Celtics have remained one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown, a possible MVP candidate, has his team in great shape. After the win over the 76ers, the Celtics have improved to 40-20 on the year. They’ve won eight of their last 10 games.
While the Detroit Pistons are in control of the East with a 5.5-game lead over the second-seeded Celtics, the New York Knicks trail Boston by 1.5 games. They are well on their way to making another playoff bid. Adding Tatum could only make them stronger as long as the sudden change doesn’t disrupt the system.
Fortunately for the Celtics, the Tatum-Brown combo has been in play for years now. The two stars coexisted during a championship run 2023-2024. It might take some time to get back to normal, but the chemistry has already been built. The Celtics will be better off with Tatum in than out.
Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 72 games. Before he checked out with the Achilles injury, the star forward posted averages of 28.1 points (42% from the field), 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
If Friday’s outing against Dallas isn’t the return, then eyes will be on the March 8 meeting in Cleveland next.