Emotional Jayson Tatum Returns to Celtics After Torn Achilles

Jayson Tatum returns to TD Garden Friday for his first NBA action since last May’s torn Achilles. He told reporters, "I'm excited," and admitted, "I might be emotional...I'll just be proud of myself that I made it to that point." Coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum will start but had "no idea" about a minutes limit, while reports conflict on whether he will be capped in his initial games. Merlin sees Boston sitting 41-21 with about 19 games to get Tatum toward "peak Jayson Tatum" before the playoffs. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists this season, so even a 20-minute window will change matchups and rotations. The Celtics must balance getting their star ready and keeping him healthy for the postseason.