Boston Celtics fans -- NBA fans, in general -- are beyond excited by the news that Jayson Tatum might make his season debut on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.
Celtics beat writer John Karalis, however, urges caution about expectations.
"I don't think everyone realizes exactly what's happening here with Tatum," Karalis posted to X, shortly after the Tatum intel went viral.
"This (re-entry to NBA games) is still part of the recovery, and the gap between scrimmages and NBA basketball is large. He will get winded quickly tomorrow. He will get very sore after. He will miss other games as part of this."
I don't think everyone realizes exactly what's happening here with Tatum.
This is still part of the recovery, and the gap between scrimmages and NBA basketball is large. He will get winded quickly tomorrow. He will get very sore after. He will miss other games as part of this.
— John Karalis 🇬🇷 (@John_Karalis) March 5, 2026
Karalis makes some excellent points here. It will be important for fans to give Tatum plenty of grace as he works his way back into shape.
At the same time, you can't fault the thousands of fans who have been waiting for Tatum's comeback for months. Friday night will be a celebration of Tatum's unrelenting rehab work over the past 10 months and his triumphant spirit in the face of a serious injury.
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