Despite hopes for a comeback soon, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will not return in Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, as confirmed by the team’s latest injury report. The Celtics announced on Saturday that Tatum remains sidelined ahead of the game at TD Garden.
Progress and Challenges in Tatum’s Rehabilitation
Turning 28 next week, Tatum has missed the entire season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during last year’s playoffs. Although he has started participating in 5-on-5 drills during his rehab process, Tatum recently shared with reporters that no official return date has been established yet.
Yeah, I feel like I’m beating a dead horse,
Tatum said.
I’m just taking it one day at a time. It’s something that is very serious, the injury that I had. It’s a long journey. For me, it’s a lot easier just to take it one day at a time.
Tatum’s Return Could Happen Only During a Home Match
The Celtics star has expressed a preference to make his comeback on home turf, which rules out the upcoming game on Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks, part of a back-to-back road stretch. Boston hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday next week before embarking on a three-game road trip. Their next home game after that will be March 14 against the Washington Wizards.
Boston Celtics Maintain Strong Position in Eastern Conference
While Tatum recovers, the Celtics remain a formidable squad within the Eastern Conference. Entering Saturday afternoon, Boston holds the second seed in the East with a 39-20 record, trailing the Detroit Pistons by 5.5 games and leading the New York Knicks by 1.5 games. The team looks poised to remain competitive even without one of its top players.
Additional Injury Updates and Game Broadcast Information
Alongside Tatum, forward Baylor Scheierman is listed as questionable due to a left thumb fracture. Celtics fans can tune in to Sunday’s Celtics-Sixers game at 8:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Celtics Radio Network. Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell will begin pregame commentary at 7:30 p.m.
Despite the speculation about Jayson Tatum returning tomorrow, the Celtics list him as out for their game against the 76ers.
Baylor Scheierman – Left Thumb Fracture – QUESTIONABLE
Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles Repair – OUT
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) February 28, 2026
