The Boston Celtics now have a defined mission:
Keep themselves in playoff contention until Jayson Tatum comes back.
That's because more and more signs are pointing to Tatum indeed returning to NBA action at some point during the 2025-26 season.
The latest came from insider Chris Haynes, who reported Thursday that Tatum told him he will be back this season.
It's not necessarily breaking news, given that Tatum was expected all along to have a chance at playing this year.
He tore his Achilles in the first round of the playoffs. Fans weren't necessarily sure whether Tatum would be up to speed long before the postseason but figured he might at least get back in time to play in the elimination games.
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Then as this season got rolling, there were reports that Tatum could be back as soon as February, which would seem a pretty rapid recovery for such an injury.
March may be more realistic, although no one but Tatum and his doctors really know what's going on here.
But the fact that Tatum seems to be speaking confidently about his chances is a good sign for the Celtics.
Heading into Friday night's action, the Celtics are 15-11, fourth place in the wide open Eastern Conference. If they can keep themselves above the play-in games, and then get Tatum back late in the regular season, Boston could be quite dangerous come playoff time.
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