“WAITING ON 0: Tatum’s Potential Late-Season Return Sparks Hope in Boston’s Playoff Push”
Boston, MA – March 12, 2026
The Boston Celtics may be clinging to a top-six seed in the tightly contested Eastern Conference, but a sudden surge of optimism has emerged from within the organization — and it centers around the familiar silhouette of No. 0.
According to NBA insider Steve Bulpett of Heavy, the possibility of Jayson Tatum returning late in the regular season or early in the playoffs is becoming more realistic, igniting hope in a Celtics locker room that’s fought valiantly in his absence.
⏳ From Sidelined to Spotlight?
Tatum, who suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during a February 3rd matchup against the Bucks, was originally expected to miss 6–8 weeks. However, Bulpett reports that internal sources now believe a target return date between April 5–10 is “on the table,” barring any setbacks during ramp-up conditioning.
> “Jayson’s been ahead of schedule in every phase of rehab,” a team source told Heavy. “He’s been attacking the recovery with the same focus he brings to the floor. No guarantees, but don’t be shocked if he’s back before the Play-In even starts.”
📈 Celtics Holding the Line
Since Tatum’s injury, the Celtics have managed to go 11–7, led by the resurgent play of Jrue Holiday, the defensive brilliance of Derrick White, and the scoring lift from DeMar DeRozan, who was acquired midseason in a stunning trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Sacramento.
Boston currently sits at 5th in the East (43–29), within striking distance of home-court advantage but just two games ahead of the surging 7th-place Cavaliers.
Coach Joe Mazzulla has praised the team’s resilience but hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the void left by Tatum:
> “You don’t replace a guy averaging 27 and leading your team emotionally. But our guys have responded — and if JT comes back in time, we’re a problem for anyone.”
🏀 Rehab Report: Tatum Locked In
Eyewitnesses at the Auerbach Center report seeing Tatum back on court in light individual drills, working closely with Celtics strength coach Jace Delaney. He’s already resumed light jump shooting and lateral movement.
> “His rhythm’s not all the way there yet, but you can see it,” said one team trainer. “He’s hungry. And he hates sitting more than anyone I’ve ever worked with.”
Tatum, 27, was in the midst of another MVP-caliber season before the injury, posting:
27.8 PPG
8.1 RPG
4.5 APG
38% from three
He was also set to make his fifth consecutive All-NBA First Team, a feat no Celtic has achieved since Larry Bird.
—
🧠 Bigger Picture: A Celtics Title Window?
With the East wide open — Milwaukee faltering, Philly in transition, and Miami battling injuries — the Celtics believe a healthy Tatum could swing the balance.
A core of Tatum, DeRozan, Holiday, White, and Kristaps Porziņģis suddenly becomes formidable on both ends — especially with Tatum rejoining the fold in time to regain rhythm before a first-round series.
Bulpett emphasized that the Celtics will not rush their star, but also noted that “Tatum himself is pushing hard for clearance.”
—
🔮 The Countdown Begins
With just over three weeks remaining in the regular season, all eyes will be on Boston’s injury reports and sideline glimpses of Tatum in warmups. Fans at TD Garden have already begun chanting “JAY-SON TA-TUM” when he appears on the bench in street clothes.
Whether or not he suits up before April 14th’s regular-season finale vs. the Knicks, one thing is certain:
If No. 0 returns, the Celtics instantly go from hopeful to dangerous.
The East has been warned.
