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Jayson Tatum’s one-word message on Instagram is great news for the Boston Celtics’ title hopes

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 9:23 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now.

The Boston Celtics have climbed up to a top-3 spot in the Eastern Conference, after winning 5 games in a row.

The Celtics went into Toronto and took full control over the Raptors. Jaylen Brown continues to play like a superstar and the Celtics continue to thrive without Jayson Tatum.

Tatum has been out this season with an Achilles tendon rupture and the Celtics have responded brilliantly in his absence.

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Jayson Tatum could be nearing a return for this season

Tatum has been documenting his rehab and recovery through social media updates.

Jayson Tatum was ROBBED of the 2024 NBA Finals MVP!

Jayson Tatum 2024 NBA Finals	Jaylen Brown 2024 NBA Finals
22.2 PPG	20.8 PPG
7.8 RPG	5.4 RPG
7.2 APG	5.0 APG
38.8 FG%	44.0 FG%
26.3 3P%	23.5 3P%

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His latest videos from December show him moving freely on the court and looking quick with the ball in his hands.

All arrows seem to point to Tatum being well ahead of schedule in his Achilles tendon rehab.

Tatum recently posted a picture on his Instagram story of him on the court with the word “Soon” alongside the fingers crossed emoji.

Tatum was originally expected to be out for the entire 2025-26 season, but now there’s a strong chance he could return in time for a Celtics playoff run.

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Jayson Tatum’s potential return drastically changes things for the Boston Celtics

The Celtics are already showing that they can beat the best teams in the East without their top superstar.

Are the Boston Celtics still a dangerous threat in the East without Jayson Tatum?

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The Celtics 5-game win streak includes wins over the: Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors.

If the Celtics can maintain a top spot in the East without Tatum and he rejoins the team in time for the playoffs, there’s a strong chance Boston could make a run to the NBA Finals.

With the way the Celtics have been playing, they are a Tatum return away from returning back to championship contention.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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