The Boston Celtics already have exceeded all expectations that NBA fans had before the season started, and they are expected to improve with guard Jason Tatum’s return. 

Tatum, the Celtics’ key player, has not seen the court yet this 2025-26 season due to an injury, setting expectations that this would not be a good season for the Celtics. Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon on May 12, 2025, during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. 

After nine months out, Tatum has been seen participating in scrimmages with his teammates for the past month, and he is expected to make his season debut tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. 

Despite the loss of their superstar, the Boston Celtics have maintained their elite performance during this 2025-26 season. The Celtics are currently 41-21 and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, leading the Atlantic Division. 

Although the team relied heavily on Tatum in past seasons, all-star Jaylen Brown has carried the Celtics so far this season, along with Neemias Queta, Payton Pritchard, and Dereck White. 

The team has relied on its strong defense, allowing the fewest points per game in the league. The Celtics hold their opponent to an average of 107 points per game, which places them second in the NBA rankings. 

Tatum has led the Celtics in shot attempts for the past six seasons, but Brown has currently taken the title of the most shot attempts in the absence of Tatum. Brown has also become a possible option for this season’s MVP for stepping up and taking responsibility without Tatum.  

While the team is currently striving, adding the presence of Tatum could only make the team stronger, giving them a good chance of playing longer in the postseason.