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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on September 24, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Malhotra/Getty Images)
After sprinkling in a little bit of doubt about playing this season, the Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is set to potentially make his debut on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
According to the Celtics’ injury report, Tatum has been upgraded to questionable for the March 6 matchup.
The veteran forward is 10 months removed from his Achilles surgery.
via Shams Charania, ESPN: 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.
Shams Charania
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.
Without Tatum, many expected the Celtics to struggle in his absence. Considering he’s been mentioned in the MVP race throughout the past several seasons, it seemed like the 2025-2026 season could shape up to be a gap year for the Celtics.
Instead, they’ve continued thriving under head coach Joe Mazzulla, with the veteran forward Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP level as well.
Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum Jaylen Brown Carmelo Anthony
GettyJayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown before the former went down with an Achilles injury in 2025.
The Celtics will enter Friday’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks with a 41-21 record. They’ve won seven out of their last 10 games.
Boston is second in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Detroit Pistons by 5.0 games. The New York Knicks are in the third spot behind them. The Celtics hold a 1.5 lead over the Knicks heading into the Friday night matchup.
While Tatum’s status is not finalized, there seems to be a legitimate shot that he’s cleared to face the Mavs when the game tips off at 7 PM ET. If he doesn’t get the nod to play, at least the Celtics know that he’ll be back in the lineup soon, as he’s returning in time to gear up for an eventual playoff run.