Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who has been rehabbing from an Achilles tendon injury, is poised to make his 2025-26 season debut in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks this Friday. Reports indicate that Tatum is ready to return and will inform the team of his final decision shortly. Previously listed as sidelined due to his injury sustained last May, he has been upgraded to questionable for the game.
Celtics president Brad Stevens emphasized that Tatum would only return once he was fully prepared mentally and physically. Tatum has been practicing with the team’s G League affiliate and, if he plays on Friday, it will mark 298 days since his surgery. His recovery timeline is comparable to that of NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, who returned after a similar injury.
Having recently celebrated his 28th birthday, Tatum is in the first year of a five-year, $314 million contract extension. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and six assists last season, but has remained cautious about rushing back, acknowledging the performance of his teammates as they currently rank second in the Eastern Conference.
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