The 19-year-old forward, who has started all 46 games, would become just the team's seventh first-year player to make at least 50 starts since the 1979-80 season.
Larry Bird stepped into the Celtics’ starting lineup on opening night of his rookie year and stayed there for all 82 games in the 1979-80 season.
Since Bird went wire-to-wire nearly four decades ago, only one first-year Celtics player has topped 70 starts – Eric Montross with 75 in the 1994-95 season.
And only four other Celtics’ rookies have started at least 50 games in that time span – Antoine Walker (68), Ron Mercer (62), Brian Shaw (54) and Mark Blount (50).
Paul Pierce would have joined that club, but his rookie season lasted only 50 games due to the labor lockout in 1998-98, and he was a starter in 47 games.
Barring an injury, Jayson Tatum will be making his 50th start for the Celtics at the end of this week.
The 19-year-old forward is the only player on the roster to start all 46 games this season, and his next one comes on Sunday afternoon when the Celtics close out a three-game homestand against the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden (1:05 p.m., TV: NBC Sports Boston; radio: WZLX-100.7 FM).
Tatum had an impressive training camp, and with Marcus Morris dealing with a sore knee, made the start on opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The third pick in the draft has never left the lineup, and has been one of the league’s top rookies, averaging 13.8 points on 49.5 percent shooting, including 45.7 percent from 3-point range.
“No. 1, is he is obviously well prepared for that,’’ said coach Brad Stevens of Tatum being a starter. “He’s a really good player, a very smart kid.’’
The decision to use Marcus Smart off the bench moved Jaylen Brown into the backcourt, opening a spot in the frontcourt.
The opening-night injury suffered by Gordon Hayward that ended his season also created available minutes, though as Stevens pointed out, Tatum started alongside Hawyard in that first game.
“The opportunity has been good, and I think he’s taken advantage of it from day one,’’ said Stevens. “Everybody talks about Gordon being out, but (Tatum) was in the starting lineup on day one and he earned that with his play up to that point.
“But he also was fortunate to be surrounded by the right guys that not only accepted it but really promoted it. When you think about Marcus Smart saying, ‘Hey, I’d rather come off the bench and help any way I can.’ He’s been here the longest.
“Marcus Morris was coming off the knees and everything else has probably been his biggest supporter. None of this happens without guys that are willing to do that.’’
Tatum, one of three Celtics to play all 46 games, leads the team in total minutes played and is fourth in minutes per game.
After playing 966 minutes at Duke as freshman last season, Tatum is at 1,426 minutes with just under half a season remaining.
“I feel fine right now,’’ said Tatum. “Our medical team is staying on top of that with everybody. So I feel pretty good right now.’’
The transition from college right into the rotation has not been a difficult one for Tatum, who turns 20 in March.
The Celtics are 34-12 and atop the Eastern Conference standings, and Tatum has played a key role.
“It’s been easier because we’ve been winning,’’ he said, “so winning takes care of a lot of things and then just a great group of vets we have on this team. They’re very helpful, help me get better every day.’’
The Celtics liked Tatum so much before the draft that they swapped the No. 1 pick, getting the No. 3 choice and a future first-round selection.
Tatum is right up there with the NBA’s top rookies, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers, Lauri Markkanen of the Chicago Bulls and Dennis Smith Jr. of the Chicago Bulls.
“He’s proven he can add value to winning at both ends of the floor,’’ said Stevens. “I think he can continue to get better. I think his best quality at this age is his emotional maturity, his ability to move on to what’s next regardless if he had success or found a rough patch. He’s unique in that regard. He’s got a bright future.’’
Irving to play: Kyrie Irving, who sat out Thursday’s loss to the 76ers, will return to face the Magic today. “(The shoulder) is still going to need some work, but I’m ready to go back out there and play,’’ said Irving. “Glad I had a few days to re-set in order to put myself in a position to play.’’ ... Forward Jarell Eddie, who signed a 10-day contract, took part in his first practice. He averaged 17.2 points in 10 games for the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League this season.
Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.