Jayson Tatum
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the TD Garden on March 12, 2025 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Following the Dallas Mavericks‘ March 5 loss against the Orlando Magic in Florida, Cooper Flagg and his teammates won’t get much rest.
On Friday, March 6, the Mavs are slated to close out a back-to-back set against the Boston Celtics.
Thursday’s game was the return of Cooper Flagg after an eight-game absence. Friday’s game just might include the return and debut of Jayson Tatum.
Cooper Flagg Reacts To Potentially Facing Jayson Tatum
Cooper Flagg
GettyCooper Flagg returned to the court for the Mavericks on Thursday.
Being in his first NBA season, Flagg hasn’t had the chance to face Tatum in his career.
As long as all goes right for both guys ahead of Friday’s game, Tatum and Flagg will face off for the first time–and the rookie surely looks forward to it.
“He’s one of the guys I grew up watching,” Flagg told reporters.
“Kind of modeled my game after. Watched him at Duke … He’s somebody I’ve always looked up to. I’m excited to face off and compete against him for sure.”
Underdog NBA
Cooper Flagg on potentially facing Jayson Tatum on Friday, via @christianpclark:
“He’s one of the guys I grew up watching. Kind of modeled my game after. Watched him at Duke … He’s somebody I’ve always looked up to. I’m excited to face off and compete against him for sure.”
Will Jayson Tatum Play vs Dallas?
The Celtics haven’t confirmed Tatum’s official status just yet.
On Thursday afternoon, the initial injury report submitted by the Celtics showed that Tatum had an upgraded status. He was changed to questionable for the first time this season.
While there is a chance Tatum could get another game off, it’s at least confirmed that he plans to return this season, ahead of an inevitable Celtics postseason run.
During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Tatum went down with an Achilles injury. He needed surgery in order to fully recover, and his 2025-2026 season was in jeopardy from the jump.
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GettyThe Boston Celtics announced that Jayson Tatum plans on playing this season and is on the injury report as questionable vs. Dallas Mavericks.
The Celtics anticipated a potential return to action for the star guard, but they didn’t feel like a gap year was truly approaching. Behind some strong play from the veteran forward Jaylen Brown, the Celtics continued to thrive in Tatum’s absence.
Tatum returns to a situation where the Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference. Boston holds a 41-21 record heading into the game against the Mavs.
The veteran forward is likely a game-time decision.
Cooper Flagg Is Trending In The Right Direction
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
A foot sprain sidelined Flagg for eight games in a row.
The Mavericks couldn’t guarantee that a return on Thursday night means Flagg will be good to go on Friday as well. The rookie will have to see how his body responds to the action.
More Mavs News: Jason Kidd Delivers Thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s Return vs Magic
Similar to Tatum, Flagg could be a game-time decision on Friday. If the Tatum-Flagg matchup doesn’t happen on Friday, it will be pushed off to next year. The meeting marks the second and final between the Celtics and the Mavericks.