As dominant as the Celtics have looked this season, there’s still one big question hanging over Boston: when will Jayson Tatum make his long-awaited return?
The All-NBA forward has yet to suit up in the 2025-26 campaign, but recent comments from Tatum himself-and some educated digging-have given us a clearer picture of when he might finally step back onto the hardwood. And if the tea leaves are right, Celtics fans won’t have to wait too much longer.
Tatum’s Own Words Offer a Clue
During a recent appearance on the Pivot Podcast, Tatum dropped a telling line: “If or when I do come back this season, they would have played 50 some-odd games without me.” That’s not just vague speculation-it’s a breadcrumb.
Using that quote as a baseline, Celtics insider Chris Forsberg mapped out a list of potential return dates that line up with Tatum’s timeline. And there’s a common thread among all of them: they’re home games. Tatum has made it clear that when he does return, it’ll be in front of the TD Garden crowd.
Here’s the list of games that fit the “50-some-odd games” criteria:
- Game 52: Feb. 6 vs. Miami
- Game 53: Feb. 8 vs. New York
- Game 54: Feb. 11 vs. Chicago
- Game 59: Feb. 27 vs. Brooklyn
- Game 60: Mar. 1 vs. Philadelphia
- Game 62: Mar. 4 vs. Charlotte
- Game 63: Mar. 6 vs. Dallas
- Game 67: Mar. 14 vs. Washington
- Game 68: Mar. 16 vs. Phoenix
- Game 69: Mar. 18 vs. Golden State
That’s a 10-game window, and each one comes with its own storyline. But a few stand out more than others.
Circle These Dates
The Feb. 8 matchup against the Knicks is a particularly juicy one. Not only is New York the team Tatum was injured against, but they also knocked the Celtics out of the playoffs last spring.
Add in the fact that it’s a nationally televised ABC game on Super Bowl Sunday-when the Patriots are set to face the Seahawks-and you’ve got the makings of a blockbuster Boston sports day. Still, despite the narrative appeal, that return date might be a touch early.
Another intriguing possibility? March 1 against the 76ers.
Celtics-Sixers games are always electric, and Tatum has a long history of big-time performances against Philly, especially in the postseason. If he’s looking for a high-stakes atmosphere to make his comeback, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Signs Pointing to a Return
While the Celtics haven’t made anything official, there are plenty of signs that Tatum is trending in the right direction. He’s been working out in front of media, and the footage shows a player moving with increasing confidence and speed-getting closer to game shape with each passing week.
That’s not nothing. NBA players don’t put themselves in front of cameras unless they’re trying to send a message.
Tatum’s message? He’s getting close.
What It Means for Boston
The Celtics have held their own without their superstar, but there’s no denying what Tatum brings to the table. He’s the engine of this team-a two-way force who can take over games, set the tone on both ends, and elevate Boston’s ceiling in a way few players in the league can.
Whenever he returns-whether it’s against the Heat, Knicks, Sixers, or another team-one thing’s for sure: TD Garden is going to be rocking. And if Tatum looks anything like the version we’ve seen in recent years, the rest of the league better take notice.
The Celtics are already dangerous. With Tatum back?
They could be downright terrifying.