42Breakdown
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7. März 2026
Double-doubles in return
Tatum (Achilles) totaled 15 points (6-16 FG, 3-8 3Pt), 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 27 minutes during Tuesday's 120-100 win over the Mavericks.
Analyse
Tatum made his season debut after rupturing his right Achilles tendon against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last May. The 28-year-old forward got off to a slow start on the offensive end, scoring five points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field in the first half. However, he settled in during the second half and also impressed as a playmaker, dishing out a game-high-tying seven assists. While head coach Joe Mazzulla didn't mention a minutes restriction for the superstar ahead of his return, it appears likely the team will continue to monitor his playing time as he is eased back into game action. Jaylen Brown should remain the top scoring option for Boston while Tatum gets his legs under him, though the latter should still take on plenty of on-ball responsibilities.
6. März 2026
Starting in return
Tatum will be in the Celtics' starting lineup for Friday's game against the Mavericks, Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes.com reports.
Analyse
Tatum has been cleared to make his 2025-26 debut Friday after 10 months of rehabbing from a torn right Achilles that he suffered in May. Per Krivitsky, head coach Joe Mazulla did not mention any sort of minutes restriction during Friday's press conference, but it's hard to imagine Tatum playing significant minutes in his return. Baylor Scheierman and Sam Hauser figure to be the top candidates to move to the bench to make room for Tatum in the starting five.
6. März 2026
Available to make season debut
Tatum (Achilles) will make his season debut Friday against Dallas, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
Analyse
Tatum is officially off the injury report and will make his return to the court after 10 months of rehab. He's returning ahead of schedule and has been playing 5-on-5 at practices for the past month. Needless to say, but he's likely to have some restrictions right out of the gate.
5. März 2026
Season debut expected Friday
Tatum (Achilles) is listed questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks, with Shams Charania of ESPN relaying that the forward is expected to make his season debut.
Analyse
Per Charania, Tatum "has been described as ready to go" less than 10 months after undergoing surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon, and the six-time All-Star appears likely to debut Friday at home versus Boston if he makes it through shootaround without issue. Tatum, who has been a full participant in 5-on-5 scrimmages for more than a week, is likely to face a significant minutes restriction if he plays Friday. Expect the Celtics to manage Tatum's playing time carefully for the remainder of the regular season with the hope that he's capable of handling something closer to full workload by the time the postseason gets underway.
