The hearts of Celtics fans everywhere broke when star forward Jayson Tatum collapsed to the ground in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, clutching his right heel.<\/p>\n
Tatum, the centerpiece of the Celtics’ current and future NBA title plans, missed the remainder of the postseason, cutting short what could have been a second-straight appearance in the NBA Finals. To twist the knife, the six-time All-Star is likely to miss the entirity of the 2025-26 season as he works his way back into playing shape.entirety<\/p>\n
More news: Celtics Star Linked to Rockets in Potential Blockbuster Trade<\/a><\/p>\n Record scratch.<\/p>\n Tatum’s doctor, surgeon Dr. Martin O’Malley, said he hasn’t seen an individual’s calf look as strong<\/a> as Tatum’s at this point in the recovery process. <\/p>\n Despite the optimism around Tatum’s rehab process, the Celtics have not given a timeline on when they expect to have the face of the franchise back on the court. The question remains: Will the Celtics brass prioritize a return to action this season, or is it better to be safe than sorry and hold Tatum out until 2026?<\/p>\n More news: Celtics Free Agent Al Horford Expected to Sign Next Week<\/a><\/p>\n NBC Sports Boston’s staff members gave their respective predictions<\/a> on when we might see Tatum back in action.<\/p>\n Some had high hopes, including managing editor Darren Hartwell, who predicted Tatum’s return for March 14, 2026.<\/p>\n “Yes, there’s a case for holding Tatum out the entire season and ensuring he’s fully healthy for 2026-27,” Hartwell wrote<\/a>. “But based on how he’s been attacking his rehab, we could absolutely see him being cleared to play 10 months and one day after his surgery.”<\/p>\n Others didn’t have as much optimism.<\/p>\n “I know everybody is getting excited, and that’s a good thing. Maybe I’m a worrywart, but the idea of Tatum rushing back to “save the day” sounds like a recipe for re-injury, sadness, dismay, and the like,” web producer Michael Hurley wrote<\/a>. “Even with Tatum, the Celtics were going to lose to the Knicks last postseason. I think he’d be better served letting Brad Stevens cook next summer and build a behemoth for 2026-27, and then help that team go on a championship run. I see minimal reward to the risk of rushing him back.”<\/p>\n Of the seven-person panel, five said they predicted Tatum would return at some point in the 2025-26 season. Only time will tell if Tatum takes the court quickly or if the Celtics choose to be conservative with their star player.<\/p>\n