The wait may finally be over for the Boston Celtics and their fans.
Superstar forward Jayson Tatum is expected to make his long-awaited return Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, nearly 10 months after suffering a devastating Achilles tear during last year’s NBA playoffs, according to reports.
If he does suit up, it will mark Tatum’s first NBA game since May 12, 2025, when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon late in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks.
A Faster-Than-Expected Comeback
Achilles injuries are among the most serious setbacks in basketball, often requiring nine to twelve months of recovery before a player can safely return to the court.
Tatum appears to be coming back on the earlier end of that timeline.
The six-time All-Star has spent the past several months attacking his rehab and recently returned to full practices and five-on-five scrimmages, a sign he was getting close to playing again.
Boston officially upgraded Tatum to “questionable” on the injury report, the first time all season he hasn’t been listed as out — a clear signal that his return is imminent.
What Tatum Brings Back to Boston
Before the injury, Tatum was once again playing at an MVP-level.
During the 2024-25 season he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, continuing his run as one of the NBA’s most complete superstars.
The 28-year-old has also been one of the league’s most consistent elite players, finishing top-10 in scoring for multiple seasons while leading Boston deep into the playoffs year after year.
His return instantly raises the ceiling for the Celtics.
Celtics Thriving Even Without Him
Interestingly, Boston has managed to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference despite missing its franchise player.
The Celtics enter the stretch run of the season with a 41–21 record, good for second place in the East.
Jaylen Brown has played a massive role in keeping the team competitive, putting together one of the best seasons of his career while carrying a larger offensive load.
But adding Tatum back into the lineup changes everything.
Perfect Timing for a Playoff Push
Boston now has roughly six weeks left in the regular season, giving Tatum time to ramp up before the playoffs begin.
The Celtics will likely manage his minutes carefully early on, but if Tatum looks anywhere close to his usual superstar form, Boston could quickly become one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
For Celtics fans, the moment they’ve been waiting for all season might finally arrive Friday night.
And if Tatum truly is back, the entire Eastern Conference just got a lot more interesting.
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