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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics answers a reporters question during Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
On Sunday evening, the Boston Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Celtics are coming off a 148-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets (also at home).
Despite being without Jayson Tatum and trading away key pieces over the summer, the team has surprised a lot of people (and look like a title contender).
Celtics Make Jayson Tatum Announcement
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on January 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. N(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
While there had been some level of hope that Tatum could make his season debut on Sunday, the Celtics have announced that he has been ruled out.
The Celtics wrote (via X): “Injury Report for tomorrow vs. PHI: Baylor Scheierman – Left Thumb Fracture – QUESTIONABLE Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles Repair – OUT”
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the game at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Here’s what fans were saying about the update:
@CelticsMuse: “March 6th vs Dallas it is”
@CelticsHuddle: “That must mean next game we’re getting the AVAILABLE”
@Raphadagoat: “I knew this was happening but I’m still sad”
@o7_JustJames: “Well, the 3/1 hype was fun… at the end of the day, a fully ready to go JT supersedes anything. … but the hype continues cuz it’s still: S O O N 🍀☘️🍀☘️”
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on October 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum’s Legendary Run With Boston
GettyBOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics listens to a reporters question during Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Tatum was the third pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.
He is in his ninth year (all with Boston), and is coming off a year where he had averages of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range in 72 games.
During the 2024 season, Tatum helped lead the franchise to their first title since 2008.
“Age 27, and you’ve been to five Conference Finals and two NBA Finals, and [you’re] a champion. … They got plenty of time.”
@stephenasmith thinks Jayson Tatum should hold off on returning this season 🏀
The Boston Celtics In 2025-26
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 28: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics motions to his players during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on January 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. N (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
The Celtics are the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 39-20 record in 59 games.
They have won eight out of their last ten games (and are 19-9 at home).
After the 76ers, the Celtics will play the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night in Wisconsin.
Last season, they lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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