Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is expected to return for the 2025-26 NBA season Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. This marks his first game since suffering a severe Achilles tear in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Knicks.

Tatum underwent immediate surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery by Dr. Martin O'Malley and has spent the past 10 months on rehabilitation. The 28-year-old six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA forward, including four consecutive first-team honors (2022–25), also holds two Olympic gold medals.

During Tatum’s absence, the Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown, have thrived, holding second place in the Eastern Conference and maintaining a pace for a 50-win season. Veterans Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, alongside young talents like Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez, have stepped up to keep the team competitive.

Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized adapting the team strategy after losing key veterans and Tatum’s injury, ensuring the season was not considered a “gap year.” With Tatum’s return, he is expected to have a minutes restriction initially, while the Celtics’ favorable schedule through March 29–30 allows him to regain conditioning ahead of the playoffs.