Boston’s Jayson Tatum Cleared for Sunday Playoff Return After Achilles Injury
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Boston — Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is scheduled to rejoin the lineup on Sunday, marking his first postseason appearance since tearing his Achilles tendon in last year’s second round.
The 26-year-old All-Star managed 16 regular-season games following the injury and said he is “grateful” for the opportunity, even though he still is not fully recovered. Boston went 13-3 with him on the floor, and in those outings he averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds and 5.3 assists while playing under minutes restrictions.
“I didn’t even know if I was going to play this year,” Tatum told reporters. “To be able to be out there and play in the playoffs — I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Long-Running Tandem
Tatum and guard Jaylen Brown are entering their ninth postseason together, a rarity noted by team observers. The duo has already reached the franchise’s all-time scoring lists and captured the 2024 NBA championship.
“I think it’s been a historic run,” Brown said. “We’ve been right there for a long time.”
Walsh Targeting Maxey
Rookie wing Jordan Walsh is expected to draw minutes against Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey. Walsh limited Maxey to 1-for-9 shooting in a November matchup and said the strategy remains identical: “Don’t let Maxey get comfortable. Make him go to his second option, his third option.”
Boston opens its first-round series Sunday at TD Garden.
Source: Hoops Wire
