Celtics list Jayson Tatum as available for Friday return from Achilles tear
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The Boston Celtics have cleared forward Jayson Tatum to play Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, marking his first game action since tearing his right Achilles tendon in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tatum, a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, was injured May 14 in Game 4 versus the New York Knicks. His comeback arrives fewer than 10 months after surgery.
Boston enters Friday’s matchup second in the Eastern Conference and winners of seven of its past nine. The team has no back-to-back games in its next 12 contests, giving the 26-year-old a cushion to build minutes gradually before the postseason. The next back-to-back falls on March 29-30.
Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists. His return adds significant depth to a roster that has exceeded expectations in his absence.
Following the home game against Dallas, the Celtics embark on a three-game road swing: at Cleveland on Sunday, at San Antonio on Tuesday and at Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Source: ESPN
