Jayson Tatum will not make his season debut for the Boston Celtics on Sunday, March 1, as he remains listed on the team’s injury report. Though he has returned to practice and is cleared to participate in full 5-on-5 drills, the Celtics have decided not to activate him for the upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Alongside Tatum, Baylor Scheierman is also currently sidelined due to a thumb fracture, continuing to delay his availability for the Celtics’ roster.
Anticipation Builds Around Tatum’s Potential Comeback
Interest grew throughout the week as the Celtics prepared to face the 76ers, with fans and analysts speculating about Tatum’s potential return. His injury occurred last season during the 2025 NBA Playoffs in the second-round series versus the New York Knicks, when he suffered a significant Achilles tendon tear.
The severity of the injury immediately cast doubt on whether Tatum would be ready for the 2025-2026 season, but the star forward remained optimistic and persistent in his recovery.
Leading up to the training camp, Tatum indicated that he expected a relatively quick rehabilitation, signaling hope for a return in the spring if the Celtics maintained a strong playoff position.
Celtics Are Strong Contenders Without Tatum
Boston has indeed remained a leading team in the NBA and currently holds a 39-20 record, placing second in the Eastern Conference, just 1.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks. Much of this success is credited to Jaylen Brown, who has stepped up in Tatum’s absence.
Brown has participated in 53 games, boasting a 48% field goal percentage and a 34% rate from three-point range. He is averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to carry the Celtics offensively.
Tatum Reflects on Progress and Next Steps
Earlier this month, Tatum spoke to reporters about his recovery timeline and current condition. He stated,
“Today is 39 weeks [since the Achilles tear] so it’s been a long journey,”
emphasizing the slow but steady nature of his rehabilitation. He also added,
“And it’s just the progression of rehab, [this was] the next step. Doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not. We’re just following the plan. It was just another step. I just feel a little bit better every day, and I just try and focus on that.”
?Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics forward
Looking Ahead: What to Expect From the Celtics
Despite encouraging signs of improvement, Sunday’s matchup against the Sixers will not mark Tatum’s return to competitive play this season. The Celtics’ head coach, Joe Mazzulla, is expected to provide further updates on Tatum’s status ahead of the game.
Following the contest in Philadelphia, Boston will travel to Wisconsin for a back-to-back series with the Milwaukee Bucks, continuing a challenging stretch as they push deeper into the season. The decision to withhold Tatum for now appears to prioritize his long-term health and readiness over a rushed comeback, underscoring the cautious approach the Celtics are taking toward their star’s recovery.
The Celtics say Jayson Tatum remains out Sunday against Philadelphia: pic.twitter.com/E26xW5lUWe
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 28, 2026
