The Boston Celtics are bringing back one of the team’s biggest superstars, Jayson Tatum, and that return could drastically shake up the Eastern Conference playoff race.
For months, Celtics fans have been closely watching the team’s progression and hoping that Tatum could make his NBA return in time for the postseason.
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However, Bill Simmons has given the anticipated return date for Jayson Tatum as Boston prepares for another playoff run. The host of ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ dropped the intriguing piece of information on his latest episode.
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“All signs are pointing to Friday, Dallas.”
– Bill Simmons on Jayson Tatum’s return
(h/t @NBA__Courtside )
pic.twitter.com/GTTBFdbvEP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 2, 2026
After Boston’s recent win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons stated that he believes Jayson Tatum will return on March 6 against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.
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“All signs are pointing to Friday, Dallas,” Simmons said on his show.
Tatum has been sidelined since last spring when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon against the New York Knicks. Boston’s playoff hopes were immediately dashed after the devastating blow to the Celtics.
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum stands on the court during the game against the Houston Rockets. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
This season, the Celtics are currently sitting in the second seed in the Eastern Conference. However, Tatum’s impact could massively help Boston as Joe Mazzulla’s team eyes a run at the top seed.
The Detroit Pistons own a 5.5 game lead at the top of the conference, but Boston’s experience and star power could give the Celtics a massive edge down the stretch.
During the past three seasons, Tatum has been averaging over 26.8 points per game while shooting roughly 46 percent from the field. Given how well Jaylen Brown has been playing in the star’s absence, the dynamic duo could very well challenge for another NBA championship if Tatum returns to full strength.
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