Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (Achilles) set to return on Friday
The Boston Celtics have announced that Jayson Tatum will be available for the game on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, marking an impressive return from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during last year’s playoffs.
Initially, the Celtics were anticipated to struggle this season in Tatum’s absence, yet they currently hold the second position in the Eastern Conference. Now, they are set to reintegrate a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection into a squad that has achieved victory in seven of its last nine contests.
Tatum’s comeback occurs less than 10 months after he tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
A restriction on minutes or a load management strategy may be anticipated for Tatum, but Boston’s upcoming schedule features 12 games without any back-to-back matchups—the next set is on March 29 and 30. This should provide him with the opportunity to gain consistent playing time and gradually enhance his performance ahead of a playoff campaign where the Celtics are once again expected to be a leading contender in the Eastern Conference.
Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists for Boston.
Following Friday’s home matchup against the Mavericks, the Celtics will embark on a three-game road trip against playoff hopefuls: Cleveland on Sunday, San Antonio on Tuesday, and Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Information from ESPN’s Shams Charania was utilized in this report.
