Getty
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics wipes his face with a towel against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
On Friday night, the Boston Celtics will play the Dallas Mavericks (at home).
The Celtics are coming off a 118-89 loss (also at home) to the Charlotte Hornets.
Boston Celtics Make Jayson Tatum Announcement
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a moment before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
After missing the entire first half of the season due to injury, it’s been announced that Jayson Tatum will be questionable for Friday’s showdown with Dallas.
Keith Smith of Spotrac wrote: “Jayson Tatum is Questionable to play tomorrow vs the Mavericks, per the Celtics.”
Keith Smith
Jayson Tatum is Questionable to play tomorrow vs the Mavericks, per the Celtics.
NBA World Reacts To Incredible News
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts while playing the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Barclays Center on November 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Here’s what people around the NBA world had to say about the news:
Rachel Nichols: “So important for the Celtics, their fans and Jayson Tatum himself to set the right expectations for this comeback. He’s not going to start out at the same level he was when he got hurt (tho I do believe he’ll get back to that eventually). If the expectation is that he comes back as a spicy addition to Boston’s surging season, he could be a fantastic success. If he comes back with the expectation that the team will slip even halfway back onto his shoulders, it’s a lot harder to see that going well.”
Rachel Nichols
So important for the Celtics, their fans and Jayson Tatum himself to set the right expectations for this comeback. He’s not going to start out at the same level he was when he got hurt (tho I do believe he’ll get back to that eventually). If the expectation is that he comes back
Bobby Manning: “Jayson Tatum will make his return less than 10 months since undergoing Achilles surgery. Perhaps the fastest return in NBA history by a star from that injury.”
Bobby Manning
Jayson Tatum will make his return less than 10 months since undergoing Achilles surgery. Perhaps the fastest return in NBA history by a star from that injury.
Kenny Anderson: “I am a big @celtics fan I hope JT doesn’t come back until next year !!!”
Kenny Anderson
I am a big @celtics fan I hope JT doesn’t come back until next year !!!
Noa Dalzell: “One more thing: the Celtics keep things in-house better than any other org in the NBA. Hard to believe that Jayson Tatum’s return, maybe the biggest story in basketball rn, was announced via the official injury report, but it’s exactly what I expected.”
Noa Dalzell 🏀
One more thing: the Celtics keep things in-house better than any other org in the NBA. Hard to believe that Jayson Tatum’s return, maybe the biggest story in basketball rn, was announced via the official injury report, but it’s exactly what I expected.
Kevin O’Connor: “Jayson Tatum is back and the Celtics are now the clear favorites in the East.”
Kevin O'Connor
Jayson Tatum is back and the Celtics are now the clear favorites in the East.
StatMuse: “Jayson Tatum last season: — 26.8 PPG — 8.7 RPG — 6.0 APG — 1.1 SPG — All-Star — 1st Team All-NBA He’s back.”
StatMuse
Jayson Tatum last season:
— 26.8 PPG — 8.7 RPG — 6.0 APG — 1.1 SPG — All-Star — 1st Team All-NBA
He’s back.
Celtics Right Now
GettyBOSTON, 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. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
While Tatum has yet to play this season, the Celtics have been able to still be among the elite teams in the league.
They are the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-21 record in 62 games.