Jayson Tatum Getting Close to Celtics Return
Jayson Tatum's return to the Boston Celtics is becoming clearer with several converging signs. Podcaster Bill Simmons is betting on March 1st against Philadelphia, as the star recovers from his Achilles tendon injury.
Photo Credit : © Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Jayson Tatum could soon make his return to the NBA courts. Absent since his right Achilles tendon rupture in May 2025 during the playoffs against the New York Knicks the Boston Celtics star is showing multiple encouraging signs regarding his imminent comeback.
Clues Accumulating Around March 1st
NBA podcaster Bill Simmons shared his theory about Tatum’s return date. « I don’t know if you saw this over the weekend. Celtics-Sixers Sunday March 1st. Moved from 6pm to 8pm. That caught my attention », he explained on his podcast. « I’d been hearing for a while the first week of March. That it would be around the March 4th game, March 6th. »
The analyst also noted anomalies in ticket prices: « If you look at the resale sites for the game against Dallas on March 6th, the prices are completely imbalanced. And it can’t just be because Cooper Flagg is coming to town. So it really looks like March 1st or March 6th, but I’d now bet on March 1st. »
NBC is airing a Jayson Tatum documentary showcasing his recovery.
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— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) February 16, 2026
Encouraging Progress in Rehabilitation
The latest news regarding Tatum’s condition is positive. Jaylen Brown, his star teammate, was optimistic: « From what I’ve seen, he looks really good », Brown said Saturday according to ESPN. Tatum recently participated in portions of practice with the Maine Celtics in the G League before rejoining the main team in Boston.
« Today is week 39, that’s quite a journey », Tatum shared Tuesday. « And it’s just the progression of rehab, the next step. That doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not coming back. We’re just following the plan. It was just one more step. » Caution remains the priority, with Tatum wanting to return at 100% of his abilities according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Documentary Series Fueling Speculation
Tatum recently unveiled the trailer for « The Quiet Work », a five-part documentary series following his rehabilitation process. This series will air every Sunday night on NBC, coinciding with the time change for the March 1st game against Philadelphia, also scheduled on that network.
Despite the absence of their franchise player, the Celtics boast an impressive record of 35 wins and 19 losses, holding second place in the Eastern Conference. Brown has taken command with career averages of 29.3 points and 4.7 assists per game. The return of Tatum, who was averaging 26.8 points before his injury, could propel Boston toward an ambitious playoff run.
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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