Explosive! Celtics debut with 11 points and 12 rebounds! Welcome, All-Star center!

Two-time All-Star center Vucevic debuted for the Celtics, playing around 28 minutes off the bench, making 4 of 8 shots to tally 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, aiding his new team in a tight 98-96 home victory over the Heat.

Following this match, the Celtics have secured five consecutive wins, during which they have held every opponent under 100 points,and currently rank second in the East with a 34-18 record, trailing only the Pistons who hold a 38-13 record.

So far this season, the Celtics rank second in the league with an average of 108.4 points allowed per game and an offensive efficiency of 120.5. They also rank second in three-point attempts (42.4) and three-point makes (15.5), while their defensive efficiency is ninth in the league at 112.5. These statistics clearly demonstrate their strength.

Despite undergoing a series of major trades and star player Tatum suffering a right Achilles tendon tear, the Celtics have not faltered; instead, they continue to maintain strong competitiveness both in the Eastern Conference and across the league, which is truly admirable.

From last offseason through the trade deadline this year, the Celtics completed a total of eight trades, primarily aimed not at strengthening the roster but at saving money,cutting nearly $320 million in luxury tax payments. Previously, their guaranteed salaries plus luxury tax reached as high as $540 million,and throughout these trades, they did not give up high-value assets, avoided taking on bad contracts, and most importantly, did not surrender a single first-round draft pick.

Balancing both winning this season and saving money, the Celtics’ management deserves high praise.

Even if Tatum does not return this season, the Celtics still have a chance to make a deep run in the East with their current roster; of course, it would be best if Tatum could come back this season, as that would not only boost their confidence to return to the Finals but also contend for the championship.

However, despite Tatum’s rapid recovery progress, there remains uncertainty about whether he can return this season. Some say he might be back by March, while others believe he could miss the entire 2025-26 season...

Most experts, including several retired NBA players, advise Tatum not to rush back even if he is able to return this season, because the longer he rests, the lower the risk of re-injury. After all, this concerns the remainder of his playing career, so extreme caution is essential rather than pushing himself too hard.