Jayson Tatum revealed he is not thrilled ahead of his return to Madison Square Garden on Thursday when the Boston Celtics take on the New York Knicks.

On his most recent visit to MSG in last season's play-off, Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where the Celtics were eventually knocked out.

Tatum has since returned to action, producing another strong performance to help Boston defeat the Charlotte Hornets 113-102 on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old is now set to make his first appearance at the venue where he suffered the first major injury of his career, though he is not overly excited about the prospect.

"I mean, yeah, I've thought about it," Tatum said after victory over the Hornets on Tuesday.

"I'm not like, thrilled, to go back and play there. Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me.

"Obviously, I knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there again.

"So, it's going to have to be this Thursday. But it's not like I'm thrilled about it. But it's part of it.

"I decided to come back and play, so I'm not necessarily skipping certain games. I can't play back-to-backs right now, but I decided to come back and play, so it's just another game on the schedule.

"I was going to have to play there at some point. So, I might as well get it out of the way."

Jayson Tatum is unguardable 

Tonight's @JetBlue Play of the Game was SICK pic.twitter.com/xQpNLFMIhM

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 8, 2026

Tatum recorded 23 points, five rebounds and four assists in Boston's victory over Charlotte, as Jaylen Brown led the way with 35 points.

The Celtics have gone 13-2 since Tatum's return from injury last month, and a win against the Knicks would see Boston secure the second seed in the East.

"Just ramping up at the right time," Tatum added.

"Knowing that post All-Star break is pivotal for teams really trying to compete for a championship. And you want to be physically feeling your best as a unit, playing well together, clicking on all cylinders. And this year is no different.

"We've been playing extremely well going into the playoffs up to this point and knowing that we've got a few games left to feel really good about ourselves and then find out who we're going to play."