Tatum's Return Boosts Celtics vs. Cavs Playoff Clash

0:00This is Corey with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now, subscribe for daily updates on your team. Jason Tatum is making his return to the Boston Celtics on Friday night. The superstar ruptured his Achilles tendon back in May during game 4 against the New York Knicks, but he's bounced back quicker than expected. Boston sits as the number 2 seed in the Eastern Conference right now. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers hold the number 4 spot in the East, just one game behind the Knicks for third place. Like the Celtics, they battle injuries all season without key players like Jared Allen and Evan Mobley. Donovan Mitchell has carried Cleveland, but he sat out his 4th straight game with a growing strain. The team also traded Darius Garland at the deadline for James Harden, pairing two stars who have boosted their talent level big time. Players like Allen have thrived with Harden at Point Guard, and Mitchell stays in the MVP conversation every year. Still, after getting knocked out early by the Indiana Paces last playoffs, everyone

1:00knows for the Cavs that regular season wins don't mean much. A potential postseason class with Boston would be Cleveland's toughest test yet in the Mitchell era. The Celtics likely grab a higher C for home court edge, and even if Tatum needs a few games to shake off rust, his championship experience with. Jalen Brown gives them a clear advantage. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcasts and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I. S-O-L-I-Pillow.com.