The NBA has adjusted the start time for the Boston Celtics’ March 1st game against the Philadelphia 76ers, moving it to 8 p.m. ET and broadcasting it nationally on NBC and Peacock, replacing the previously scheduled Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks matchup.
The league’s decision comes as Celtics star Jayson Tatum continues to progress in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. Tatum rejoined the Maine Celtics for practice this week, participating in scrimmages as he reached the 39th week of his rehabilitation. “It was good to be a part of practice yesterday with the Maine G League guys,” Tatum said Monday. “Tuesday is 39 weeks, so it’s been a long journey. And it’s just like the progression of rehab. It was the next step. Doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not. It’s just following the plan. So it’s just another step.”
The Celtics currently hold a five-game lead over the 76ers in the Eastern Conference standings, raising the possibility of a first-round playoff matchup between the two teams. The 76ers and Celtics have a long-standing rivalry, with Boston leading the all-time series 340-249 as of November 11, 2025, according to NBA records. The teams have met a total of 590 times, including 116 playoff games.
Tatum has expressed a desire to return to play at TD Garden if medically cleared. Boston has several home games scheduled in March, including contests against the Charlotte Hornets on March 4th and the Dallas Mavericks on March 6th. He acknowledged the challenges of reintegrating into the lineup, stating, “I mean, it might appear different. I haven’t played with these guys or with this group, but lot of high IQ guys out there. I like to consider myself one of those types of players. So if that did present itself, and if I did come back, we professionals will figure it out.”
The 76ers and Celtics have already met three times this season. Philadelphia won their most recent matchup, 102-100, on November 11, 2025. Earlier in the season, the 76ers secured a 117-116 victory in Boston on October 22, 2025, fueled by 40 points from Tyrese Maxey and a 34-point NBA debut from rookie VJ Edgecombe. The Celtics narrowly defeated the 76ers 109-108 in Philadelphia on October 31, 2025.
The next update on Tatum’s recovery is expected next week as the Celtics begin a four-game road trip, starting with a game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
