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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 2: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on October 2, 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
On Friday night, the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will square off at TD Garden.
The Celtics have remained one of the best teams in the entire NBA through the first half of the 2025-26 season (despite being without Jayson Tatum).
Boston Celtics Make Official Jayson Tatum Announcement
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 2: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on October 2, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
For Friday’s game, the Celtics got the incredible news that Tatum will indeed be available to make is season debut when they host the Mavs.
The former Duke star is coming off a season where he had averages of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range in 72 games.
The Celtics wrote (via X) at 1:30 Eastern Time: “Injury Report Update:
Jayson Tatum – AVAILABLE”
A Look At Boston
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
After winning the title in 2024, the Celtics reached the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (where Tatum got hurt).
They lost to the New York Knicks in six games.
ESPN’s Shams Charania added: “The Boston Celtics have announced officially that Jayson Tatum will make his season debut tonight versus Dallas — under 10 months removed from surgery for a torn Achilles tendon.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics lays on the ground after being injured against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images). (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Celtics have still reminded a title contender despite getting little respect before the season started.
In addition to the absence of Tatum, they had also traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis over the summer.