Celtics: Jayson Tatum Achilles Return Clears Mental Hurdle

Jayson Tatum opens his 10th NBA season on Tuesday, October 20, leading the Boston Celtics at the Detroit Pistons at 3 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Derrick White says Tatum is more confident after his long Achilles return, and Boston needs that version of Tatum after trading Jaylen Brown and finishing the preseason 4-0.





What did Derrick White say about Jayson Tatum?


Derrick White said Jayson Tatum sees the game differently after sitting on the sideline for so long. White said Tatum is more confident and is getting over the mental hurdle that followed the injury.


Tatum ruptured his Achilles in May 2025. The injury kept Tatum off the court for more than 10 months, and Tatum missed the first 62 games last season before returning late in the year for 22 games.


When Tatum returned last spring, the efficiency dipped and the burst was not always the same. White says the hesitation is gone in camp and the trust in Tatum's body has returned.





What do Jayson Tatum preseason stats show?


Jayson Tatum preseason stats backed up Derrick White's assessment. Tatum scored 23 points against the Philadelphia 76ers and followed with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists against the Charlotte Hornets.


Tatum averaged 21 points in the preseason games he played. The Boston Celtics went unbeaten in the preseason and averaged a league-best 126 points per game, per reports from the preseason.


Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Tatum's defensive activity and offensive flow. Tatum attacked the paint more, a sign he trusts his Achilles return in live action.


Why does Boston need Tatum more than ever this season?


The Boston Celtics need Jayson Tatum at his best more than ever because Jaylen Brown is now with the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, and the Celtics added center Mitchell Robinson to the frontcourt.


With Brown gone, opposing defenses will focus on Tatum as Boston's primary threat every night. Paul George, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard will carry larger offensive roles for the Boston Celtics, but the offense still flows through Tatum.


Boston finished 56-26 and second in the Eastern Conference last season despite Tatum missing most of the year. The Boston Celtics lost in seven games to Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.




What is the Celtics vs Pistons start time and how to watch?


The Celtics vs Pistons start time is 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 20, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The game airs nationally on NBC and streams on Peacock, DIRECTV and Fubo.


The Detroit Pistons finished 60-22 last season, the best record in the Eastern Conference, before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. Detroit beat Boston in three of their four regular-season meetings last season, and all four games were close late.


Detroit returns All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham, center Jalen Duren and forward Ausar Thompson. The Detroit Pistons added forward John Collins after Tobias Harris left in free agency.





Who is out for the Celtics season opener at Detroit?


Guard Devin Carter is the only Boston Celtics player out for the season opener at Detroit. Carter has mononucleosis and missed preseason games with illness, and there is no official timetable for Carter's return.


Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Mitchell Robinson are all available. The expected starting group features White, Jordan Walsh, Tatum, George and Robinson.


FAQ


When is the Boston Celtics season opener?

The Boston Celtics open the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, October 20, at 3 p.m. ET against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on NBC and Peacock.


How did Jayson Tatum play in the preseason?

Jayson Tatum scored 23 points against Philadelphia and 19 points with eight rebounds and six assists against Charlotte. Tatum averaged 21 points in his preseason outings.


Who is injured for the Celtics against the Pistons?

Devin Carter is the only Boston Celtics player out, with mononucleosis. Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Derrick White and Mitchell Robinson are all available.


Sources:

https://heavy.com/sports/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-jayson-tatum-update-season-opener/

https://nesn.com/boston-celtics/news/celtics-new-look-era-gets-immediate-test-against-team-beat-them-three-times/87df7519d18e8e229842972d

https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2026/10/19/celtics-have-just-one-injury-designation-ahead-of-season-opener-vs-pistons/92334673007/

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