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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after their 132-106 win over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics never rushed Jayson Tatum to return from his Achilles injury. At the beginning of the season, they never ruled him out. Tatum stated several times that it was his goal to return to the team this season and play for Boston.
Tatum has been working very hard to return from his injury at full strength. For the last couple of weeks, he has been back at practice with the team, participating fully in activities. Now, he could potentially make his return Friday night against the Mavericks.
His teammates were asked before the Mavs game about his potential return, and none of them wanted to give too much away.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Sam Hauser passes the ball. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Celtics Players Cautiously Answer Questions About Jayson Tatum
Sam Hauser was asked about the potential return of Tatum against the Mavs. He didn’t give anything away.
“I mean, if it does happen, it’d be awesome. Crowd will probably love it. But we’re just trying to get a win. That’s the main thing for all of us. We’re preparing for the Dallas Mavericks. We had a lot of things to clean up from the first time we played them, so we’re trying to work on that and get better, and hopefully we come out on top.”
Hauser was then asked how much Tatum has been working with the rest of the team. Hauser made it seem like he’s done some extensive work.
“I mean, he’s been around. He’ll be able to fit right in. We’ll be able to fit around him, if that’s the case. But overall, just preparing for tonight and what’s at stake tonight.”
Hauser clearly doesn’t want to give anything away in terms of whether or not Tatum will be playing in the game. He likely knows whether or not Tatum will be in the lineup, but he can’t tell the media that. All indications are that he will likely make his return in this game.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum looks on. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
How Will Jayson Tatum Fit With This Current Roster?
If Tatum does return against Dallas, he likely won’t start. For the first couple of weeks, he will likely come off the bench. It looks like he will have a minutes restriction when he first starts playing. That makes sense, considering this is his first basketball action in 10 months.
The Celtics will have to figure out how crunch time works. It has been Jaylen Brown who has led the team for the entire season. Brown has played the best basketball of his career while playing the lead role for the team. Boston has the second-best offense in the league without Tatum.
How Tatum is able to integrate himself with the current roster will determine whether or not the Celtics can win a title. He has just over a month to figure out his role with this version of the team and how to best make a positive impact.