The Boston Celtics are currently in action against their longtime rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Saturday night. Before the game got underway, though, Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla turned some heads with his response (or lack thereof) to a question about Jayson Tatum's injury status.
New photos shared by the Celtics on their social media accounts last week showed Tatum participating in scrimmages against his teammates, and on Friday, he was spotted at the team's practice, although nobody has revealed whether or not he took part in any of the action. Mazzulla isn't tipping his hand either, as he simply stared at a reporter when asked if Tatum practiced on Friday ahead of their clash against the Lakers.
Did Jayson Tatum practice yesterday?
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 22, 2026
"He was at practice?"
Did he participate?
*Stares*@CLNSMedia | Q: @RealBobManning pic.twitter.com/SOLMYuzu4J
Everyone around the Celtics has played coy when asked about his injury status as of late, as he appears to be closing in on a return to the court. Tatum, however, hasn't even publicly said whether or not he wants to actually play this year, adding to the mystique of the whole situation.
Unsurprisingly, Tatum remained out on Saturday night for the team's clash vs. Los Angeles, but it's beginning to seem like there's a real possibility that he will get back on the court at some point during the team's upcoming homestand. Boston's next home game will be on Friday, Feb. 27, against the Brooklyn Nets.
More NBA: JJ Redick Praises Two Celtics Players Ahead Of Sunday Lakers Clash