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[Boston Celtics]

Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) at Boston Celtics (0-0) Game #1 10/22/25

Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) at Boston Celtics (0-0)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #1, Home Game #1
TV: NBCSB, NBCSP, NBA-LP
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 97.5 Fanatic, Sirius XM
TD Garden

The Celtics begin the season by hosting one of their oldest rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers. This is the first of 4 games between these two teams this season. The Celtics will travel to Philadelphia for games on October 31 and November 11. The October 31 game will be the Celtics first game in the NBA Cup In-Season Tournament. The 76ers will return to Boston for a game on March 1.

The Celtics were 3-1 in the preseason while the 76ers were 1-3. The Celtics beat the 76ers 3-1 last season and they were also 3-1 against the 76ers in the 2023-24 season. The 76ers tanked hard the last part of last season and finished 24-58 while the Celtics finished with a 61-21 record. The Celtics are 275-197 overall all time and they are 159-57 all time at home against the 76ers.

The 76ers haven’t changed much since last season. They added Trendon Watford as a free agent. They also added Igor Milicic, Jr, who went undrafted in this year’s draft. They added VJ Edgecombe with the 3rd pick in the draft and Johni Broome with the 35th pick in the draft. They lost Guerschon Yabusele, Jared Butler, and Ricky Council IV. The 76ers have a veteran core and an exciting lottery pick and if they can stay healthy, they could be a good team this season.

The Celtics are split about evenly between returning and new players. They have 9 returning players and 8 new players on the team this season. Gone are Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet. New players include Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, Chris Boucher, Hugo Gonzalez, Luka Garza, Max Shulga, Amari Williams, and Ron Harper, Jr. The Celtics have a core of good players returning along with some young players who are excited to show what they can do. They may surprise a lot of people who are counting them out this season.

After this game, the Celtics go on the road for 3 games. They will play at New York and then at Detroit and New Orleans for their first back to back set this season. They will then return home to face Cleveland before playing at Philadelphia for their first NBA Cup game. The 76ers will return home after this game to face Charlotte and then will host Orlando and travel to Washington for back to back games. Then they host Boston on Halloween before a 3 game road trip through Brooklyn, Chicago, and Cleveland.

The Celtics will begin the season without their All Star forward, Jayson Tatum, who is rehabbing from a torn Achilles. He is expected back anywhere from the All Star break until next season. Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable but since he has gone through a couple of full practices and said that he feels great, I’m expecting him to play. If he is out, Sam Hauser would likely start at small forward.

Joel Embiid returned, after being out since February, to play the final preseason game and is expected to be available for this game. Paul George remains out after left arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason. He is reportedly close to a return. Trendon Watford will have to wait to make his 76ers premiere as he is out with a strained hamstring. Jared McCain is also out with a thumb injury.

I have listed Philadelphia’s starters from their final preseason game against the Timberwolves. They won that game 126-110 and so I’m thinking they will stick with that lineup for this game. When he returns, Paul George will replace Bona at power forward. I’ve listed the Celtics starting lineup from their final preseason game as well. I’m guessing that Joe will stick with that lineup but he could change things around since there are a lot of questions about the Celtics front court rotation.

Probable Starting Matchups
Point Guard: Payton Pritchard vs Tyrese Maxey

Shooting Guard: Derrick White vs VJ Edgecombe

Small Forward: Jaylen Brown vs Kelly Oubre, Jr

Power Forward: Chris Boucher vs Adem Bona

Center: Neemias Queta vs Joel Embiid

Celtics Reserves
Anfernee Simons
Josh Minott
Xavier Tillman
Jordan Walsh
Hugo Gonzalez
Luka Garza
Baylon Scheierman
Sam Hauser

2-Way Players
Ron Harper, Jr
Max Shulga
Amari Williams

Injuries/Out
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) questionable

Head Coach
Joe Mazzulla

76ers Reserves
Johni Broome
Andre Drummond
Justin Edwards
Eric Gordon
Quentin Grimes
Kyle Lowry
Igor Milicic, Jr

2-Way Players
Dominick Barlow
Hunter Sallis
Jabari Walker

Injuries/Out
Paul George (knee) out
Trendon Watford (hamstring) out
Jared McCain (thumb) out

Head Coach
Nick Nurse

Key Matchups

Payton Pritchard vs Tyrese Maxey
Maxey averaged 18.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1 steal per game in 4 preseason games. He shot 49.1% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. He is quick and shoots the ball well and so Pritchard will have his hands full defending him. Hopefully Pritchard can go from 6th Man of the Year to starter and excel at it.

Derrick White vs VJ Edgecombe
Edgecombe was the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 draft and played very well in the preseason. Over 3 games, he averaged 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2 steals per game, while shooting 42.5% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. I expect that the 76ers will once again start him in this game. Hopefully. Derrick White can use his veteran wiles on the rookie to win this matchup.

Honorable Mention
Neemias Queta vs Joel Embiid
In the 76ers preseason finale, Embiid played his first game since February. He finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in 19 minutes of play. He shot 50% from both the field and on 3’s. There didn’t appear to be much rust on his game. The Celtics no longer have Al Horford to work his defensive magic on Embiid so the Celtics will need to find another way to slow Embiid down this season.

Keys to the Game
Defense – Whether it is the first game of the season or the last, defense will always be the key to winning. The Celtics were second in the preseason with a defensive rating of 100.2. The 76ers were 17th with a defensive rating of 109.2. The Celtics need to keep that defensive mindset and work hard on that end of the court if they want to win this season. They don’t have as much firepower as they did last season and so they will need to get stops in order to beat teams.

Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning. Teams need the ball to score and rebounding is a good way to get it. The Celtics led all teams in the preseason, averaging 52.8 rebounds per game. The 76ers were 24th in the preseason with 42.5 rebounds per game. The Celtics need to continue to crash the boards as a team and make an effort to grab every rebound.

Take Care of the Ball – The Celtics need to take care of the basketball and limit turnovers. They were 31st in the preseason, averaging 21.3 turnovers per game. Perhaps that can be explained by the number of new players getting to know each other, but they won’t win many games in the regular season if they turn the ball over 21 times. They have to make careful passes and also be aware while dribbling and not drive into a crowd or allow a defender to steal the ball.

Run, Run, Run – Almost every season a coach will say that his team is going to run and play faster but then they don’t. Joe Mazzulla has vowed to play faster this season and he seems to have the players to do it. The Celtics were 7th in pace in the preseason and the team did play much faster than they have in the past. They need to continue to run and to play fast on every possession this season.

X-Factors
First Game – Both teams are playing in their first game of the season. Preseason doesn’t count much because the starting lineups for both teams got limit minutes on the court together. The Celtics have been off a full week while the 76ers have been off 5 days since their last game so there could be some rust along with some jitters that come from playing as a team for real for the first time.

Coaching – Joe Mazzulla is starting his 4th season as Celtics’ head coach. He won a title with a very talented team that was packed with shooting stars. Now he is going to have to win in a different way since his personnel has changed and so he must prove that he can. Nick Nurse is starting his 8th season as a head coach overall and his 3rd as the 76ers head coach. He won a title with the Raptors in 2019. The 76ers are finally close to healthy and so Nurse has a lot to prove with this team as well.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-...ers-0-0-at-boston-celtics-0-0-game-1-10-22-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

10 takeaways from a slow and sloppy start against Phily

#1 – Opening the season with a Spain PnR​

Last season with the bench unit — especially with Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet — the Celtics ran a lot of Spain pick-and-rolls to generate rim attempts and open threes. This season, Pritchard and Hauser are part of the starting five, and the season started with this play.

With Neemias Queta as the first screener, Hauser as the second, and Derrick White as the ball-handler, the Celtics used this play to attack Joël Embiid’s drop coverage. As Hauser comes to set a screen on Embiid’s back, the Sixers center can’t retreat to the rim, leaving Queta open.

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This play was also used later with Simons as the ball-handler — a smart approach to create chaos in the defense. The multiplicity of screens forces the defense to communicate, which can lead to mistakes. On the first play, it created a shooting pocket for Simons.

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The Celtics ran it a few more times in that game, and we’ll see more of these throughout the season. The execution of the screens and movements will be key to generating efficient offense around this play.

#2 – Jaylen Brown on Joël Embiid​

Mister Joe Mazzulla loves inverted matchups, and he stuck to it last night. Without Jrue Holiday or Jayson Tatum, it was Jaylen Brown who took on the Joël Embiid assignment. While JB did his best to keep Embiid away, Queta could roam around the rim. Since Dominick Barlow is considered a non-shooter, the Portuguese big man could play the goalkeeper role in the paint.

This took away some easy attempts, and with Embiid’s lack of mobility and burst, it was easy enough for Brown to push him away from the paint. The Sixers tried to use screens to force better matchups for Embiid, but the Celtics were able to protect their own. In the play below, JB is forced to switch away from Embiid, so Queta leaves his player to tag the Sixers center while White rotates down to take Queta’s previous matchup.

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This defensive assignment was enough to limit Embiid (who seems to be struggling with his body). Yet, despite a neutralized Embiid, the Celtics’ defense collapsed on multiple occasions — especially in the backcourt.

#3 – Defensive backcourt issues​

We knew it was coming, but the drop-off in the Celtics’ backcourt defense was obvious — especially against such quick players as Tyrese Maxey and the rookie VJ Edgecombe. They combined for 26 buckets and 9 assists, with 34 points from the rookie in his first game.

Not to take anything away from Edgecombe’s unique performance, but the Celtics’ defense (and some shooting luck) definitely helped him out.

Going from Derrick White – Jrue Holiday to Payton Pritchard – Anfernee Simons as a defensive backcourt makes you humble… pic.twitter.com/bjUvLXPyoQ

— Azad (@azmatlanba) October 23, 2025

Both guards were quicker and more aggressive than the Celtics defenders, and they exploited the lack of ball pressure. On top of that, the Celtics’ defensive structure looks weaker than last year, not only in the backcourt. In the play below, White can’t contain Maxey, Brown’s help is useless, and Queta is set on the wrong side of the paint to have any impact at the rim.

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The Celtics’ defense has been elite for the last few years thanks to ball pressure and rim protection, forcing opponents to take shots they didn’t want. Last night, the Sixers’ backcourt had a great offensive night because they could get to their spots easily. But while they were having fun on offense, the Celtics went back to their hunting habits.

#4 – Going after Maxey​

The Sixers’ guard has been a target of the Celtics’ offense since he started his career, and there was no reason for that to change now. As soon as the game started, the Celtics went after him — and they kept doing it, with multiple players.

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This often forced the Sixers to collapse in an effort to protect him, which created open looks for the Celtics.

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Nonetheless, as Nik noticed, the Celtics stopped (maybe at the worst time) going after him. That was a missed opportunity, as attacking Maxey generates a double positive effect: first, it’s often good offense, and second, it forces him into foul trouble, which could take him out of the game.

Celtics only went at Tyrese Maxey 3 times after he picked up his 5th foul 47 second in to the 4th quarter

— NikNBA (@NIKNBAYT) October 23, 2025

#5 – Lack of ball movement​

If the Celtics’ mismatch offense was still there last night, the ball movement wasn’t. Only 16 assists for 41 field goals made — that’s a 39% assist rate, the worst of any team last night, and far from the Celtics’ 2024–25 mark of 63%.

#6 – 25% from deep​

The poor assist rate mentioned above is a direct consequence of the Celtics’ inability to convert catch-and-shoots — but it’s not only about shooting luck. While some of the Celtics’ shooters will have better nights than yesterday, this low percentage also tells a story.

The Celtics don’t have the same quality of creators anymore; therefore, there will be fewer gaps to exploit in opposing defenses, and catch-and-shoots will be harder to create. Also, the quality of their catch-and-shoot threats has decreased — the Celtics can’t expect Xavier Tillman, Chris Boucher, or Luka Garza to punish defenses like Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday did.

The roster has changed. The approach needs to evolve too.

#7 – Where is the speed?​

Speaking of the offensive approach — there was a lot of talk about speed and transition this summer. So, where did it go?

After time-out possession… and it takes you 18 seconds to generate a contested pull-up… pic.twitter.com/fQnzdlTfcR

— Azad (@azmatlanba) October 23, 2025

The ATO above is just one example, but the Celtics played at the same pace they’re used to. Plus, the transition emphasis that was brought up a lot during the offseason was missing too. Only 14 forced turnovers, leading to just 14 points generated from those defensive stops.

With this Celtics roster’s athleticism, there’s plenty of room to play faster and generate transition opportunities — but the offensive and defensive habits need to change.

#8 – Queta rim-running opportunities​

Speaking of important habits to develop: using and finding Queta as a rim-runner. The Portuguese big man has improved a lot at creating space with his screens and flashing to the rim.

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This creates many opportunities for easy buckets at the rim… but his teammates must learn to look for him. In the play below, it’s a perfect example of this habit not being there yet. After another good screen, Queta flashes to the rim, but Pritchard instead takes a step-back pull-up triple.

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#9 – White leading the charge in the third​

In the third, the Celtics’ guard took over and showed the importance of speed and attacking before the opponent’s defensive structure was set.

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Often from the right, White made quick decisions to drive, attack on the pick-and-roll, or pull up when noticing the space the defense gave him.

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Thanks to this aggressive approach, White scored 13 points in less than 8 minutes, generated 7 free throws, and got nothing but open looks.

#10 – Couldn’t convert in the last seconds​

The Celtics had two opportunities to take the game in the last 10 seconds but weren’t able to generate good shots.

The execution of the first play didn’t create any gaps in the defense, and the Sixers were set when Pritchard received the ball. As soon as he drove, Brown came into the paint, which hurt the spacing. Meanwhile, the Sixers’ defenders collapsed to help on Grimes, leaving Hauser, Simons, and White open — but Pritchard went for a contested layup.

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The second attempt gave Pritchard more space at first, but the spacing was once again poor. He didn’t have a clear path to the rim, so he faked and tried to sell a foul — but that didn’t work, and the Celtics took their first loss of the season.

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Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/123210/10-takeaways-from-a-slow-and-sloppy-start-against-phily

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/23/25

Herald Three ex-Celtics players arrested by FBI in massive gambling investigations

Celtics stumble in first crunch-time test without Jayson Tatum

Celtics crumble late, blow double-digit lead in season-opening loss to 76ers

Globe Off-white, on point: Celtics 2025-2026 season opener fit check

Celtics ready to embrace the growing pains that will come this season

Celtics show flashes, but 76ers claim season opener behind historic rookie performance: 8 takeaways

Former Celtic Terry Rozier, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups among 30 charged in federal gambling probe

Who are Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones? Meet the three with NBA ties charged.

NBA places Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups on leave as it investigates federal gambling charges

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Knicks 10/22/25

CelticsBlog 10 takeaways from a slow and sloppy start against Phily

Celtics own up to their “crucial errors” in collapse to 76ers

Parquet Plays: Anfernee Simons showed us he can defend. Will it continue?

Neemias Queta excels as starting center

Celtics lose season opener to Sixers 117-116

ESPN The Celtics and Pacers’ approach to a season marred by injury

Maxey scores 40 points as 76ers rally to beat Celtics 117-116

CLNS Media Celtics as Competitive and Flawed as Expected on Opening Night

Boston Drops Season Opener to Philadelphia | Celtics vs 76ers Postgame Show

Joe Mazzulla Has a Plan for These Celtics: And It Looks Totally Different

Celtics .com Neemias Queta Delivers Strong Start to ’25-26 Season vs. 76ers

Keys to the Game: 76ers 117, Celtics 116

NBC Sports Boston Celtics need to bottle up Jaylen Brown’s opening night playmaking

Celtics-Sixers recap: Pritchard misses at buzzer in opening night loss

Follow the leader: How Jaylen Brown is embracing a new challenge

NESN Anfernee Simons Unveiled Something New In First Celtics Game

NBA Releases Statement On Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups

Terry Rozier’s Lawyer Releases Statement After FBI Arrest

76ers Guard Makes NBA History In Season-Opener Vs. Celtics

Celtics Narrowly Drop Season Opener After Late Collapse Vs. 76ers

Writer Forecasts When Jayson Tatum Could Rejoin Celtics

CBS Boston Neemias Queta was a bright spot for Celtics in season-opening loss to 76ers

The Celtics have some important things to figure out after opening night collapse

Mass Live Boston Celtics big status uncertain after entering concussion protocols

NBA announces suspension for Blazers coach, Terry Rozier after arrests

Jayson Tatum injury: Celtics CEO provides update on star forward’s 2025-26 status

Celtics star gives unexpected reason for late collapse in 76ers loss

Sixers coach gives fans a guide for watching new Celtics forward

Boston Celtics big man a bright spot in starting role in 76ers loss

Jaylen Brown injury: Celtics star updates status after 76ers loss

4 takeaways as Celtics lose to 76ers after fourth quarter collapse

Celtics Wire Mazzulla on how he sees Celtics White-Simons-Pritchard 3-guard lineup

Celtics alumni Rozier, Billups arrested by FBI in gambling sting

Today in Boston Celtics history: Crawford, Pinkney born; G. Williams, Edwards, Watt debut

Boston Celtics jersey history No. 41 – James Posey (2007-08)

Jaylen Brown thought the Celtics may have been too focused on offense

Celtics fall to Sixers rookie V.J. Edgecombe makes history

76ers coach Nick Nurse on coaching Chris Boucher with Toronto Raptors

The Athletic Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier arrests escalate sprawling NBA betting scandal

Jaylen Brown after close loss to 76ers: Celtics ‘still figuring things out’

Which All-Stars can teams count on? 2025 NBA ‘Star’ Reliability Tiers

Boston Sports Journal Celtics take the “L” in the opener, and hope they learn lessons from the loss

BSJ Game Report: Sixers 117, Celtics 116 – Pritchard misses late chance to beat Philly

Final: Sixers 117, Celtics 116 – Sixers backcourt dominates, C’s fall apart late

Hardwood Houdini Celtics just got brutal dose of deja vu after disaster end to last season

Anfernee Simons’ first season-opener in Boston will also be his last

Tyrese Maxey helped Celtics gain two learning points on Opening Night

Celtics share what went wrong on final possession of opening night loss to 76ers

Neemias Queta gives Celtics silver lining in opening loss to the 76ers

Celtics danger zone was clear as day in first half vs. 76ers

The season hasn’t even started yet and Mazzulla already put NBA on notice

Knicks’ injuries piling up as Celtics ready for return to Madison Square Garden

CLNS Media/YouTube LIVE Garden Report: Celtics vs Sixers Postgame Show on CLNS

GOOD and BAD Takeaways from Celtics vs 76ers | Garden Report

Payton Pritchard on Missing Game Winning Shot | Celtics vs 76ers Postgame Interview

EXCLUSIVE: Anfernee Simons Reacts to FIRST Celtics Game Performance | Full Interview

Joe Mazzulla Postgame Interview FULL | Celtics vs 76ers 10-22-2025

Derrick White Postgame Interview FULL | Celtics vs 76ers 10-22-2025

Jaylen Brown on NOT Getting the LAST SHOT | Celtics vs 76ers Postgame Interview

SI .com Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Makes Major Announcement Ahead of Season Opener

Payton Pritchard’s wife Emma rocks unreal custom Celtics boots for NBA opener

Three Key Takeaways From Sixers’ Victory Over Celtics

Early Signs vs Celtics Should Make 76ers Think About Serious Changes

Clutch Points Celtics’ Luka Garza lands on concussion protocol after scary moment vs. 76ers

Celtics’ Derrick White sounds off on what went wrong with final play in 76ers loss

Essentially Sports Wyc Grousbeck Puts Celtics Locker Room on Notice With Trade Plan Involving 4 Stars

Audacy Retooled Celtics can’t contain Sixers: ‘We can’t let guys come in here and do what they want’

Celtics new-look squad debut spoiled by 76ers late-game comeback

The Sports Hub 5 takeaways: Celtics drop season-opener to 76ers

The Sporting News Boston Celtics’ starting lineup without Jayson Tatum will shock you

The Sixer Sense It took just one quarter for VJ Edgecombe to ignite 76ers’ fans hopes

Bleacher Report Jaylen Brown Talks Celtics’ Defensive Issues After Loss to 76ers, Edgecombe Breakout

Maxey, Edgecombe Key 76ers’ Win vs. Celtics Without Tatum as Embiid Disappoints Fans

NBA/YouTube 76ERS at CELTICS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | October 22, 2025

10 Philadelphia Observations after Sixers win thrilling opener with brilliant games by Edgecombe, Maxey

Heavy Mazzulla Reveals Shocking Post-Celtics Plan, Rips Brown Criticism

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/123165/boston-celtics-daily-links-10-23-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Anfernee Simons received a text praising his defense before Celtics debut

BOSTON — Anfernee Simons flashed the defensive focus from his offseason immediately on opening night. He chased down Tyrese Maxey in transition and ripped the ball from him as Maxey arrived at the rim, breaking up one of the many 76ers breakouts that cost Boston. Elsewhere, Simons swiped the ball from Joel Embiid sneaking behind him, and helped on Kelly Oubre Jr., stripping him for Simons’ first steal as a Celtic.

“Just coming in here early, getting in here early and trying to get those things sured up early on,” Simons said. “This training camp was hard for me and just bringing that intensity each and every day at practice, and doing it in the preseason games, just learning each and every time, I won’t say I’ll be perfect, but I’m making gradual improvements and I think tonight, I think I did pretty well, wasn’t perfect, made some mistakes, but I showed up. I’m proud of myself about that area.”

Team defense ultimately cost Boston on Opening Night. The offense was an issue at times, Joe Mazzulla argued, when bad Celtics possessions turned into fast break baskets for the Sixers. That all seemed to encapsulate Simons’ night. He started slow offensively, in his Boston debut, but finished with 13 points and flashed the defensive strides he has focused on since early in the summer. He spent much of the offseason at the Auerbach Center, diving into concepts, the new language and system that differed drastically from the Trail Blazers’ approach. The Celtics hoped, following an offseason of uncertainty over whether he’d remain with the team for salary cap reasons, that a new setting would bring the best out of him.

He accepted it, saying on Media Day that his previous defensive issues stemmed, in part, from effort. Joe Mazzulla found he could jab at the guard, challenging Simons to improve in that area or his Boston tenure may not go how he envisions it. Mazzulla also reassured Simons that he’s not as bad as people say.

The work that followed captured former Blazers teammate Jabari Walker’s attention as he began his new tenure with Philadelphia. Simons’ performance, defensively, stood out so much following a preseason game that Walker texted Simons to congratulate his efforts.

“‘Man, your defense looks great. You been hooping,’” Walker told him.

“Because I’ve seen he’s been putting in more of a defensive effort. I know that’s one of the things they called on him to improve, and so I just loved the way he took pride in that, so I messaged him.”

“It’s gonna be a big season for both of us,” Simons responded.

Walker also acknowledged that a change of scenery could help Simons, along with the motivation of getting traded for the first time. Both Walker and Celtics assistant Ross McMains saw Simons’ quickness, length and fast hands as ways he could factor more consistently on the defensive end. McMains, who knew Simons from their workouts together through Simons’ agency early in his Portland tenure, believed that his intelligence could allow him to make quick decisions in a Celtics system that values adjusting on the fly. And this year, they’re taking more calculated risks on that end and those led to Simons’ best moments in the loss.

The path to Wednesday’s success involved personal acknowledgement, swiping drills he never remembered doing previously and a step back into a smaller role. Simons came off the bench on Opening Night after being Portland’s offensive hub for years. He understood it, and views himself as fitting into what Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard created, and as Mazzulla alluded to, the starting unit meant little when Boston turned to a three-guard lineup for most of the fourth quarter with Simons. Then, played five perimeter players on the final possession.

Simons admits going through his first trade hasn’t been easy. But he’s heard from many friends like Walker who have checked in through the process.

“He’s one of quite a few — the guys that you build close relationships with everywhere you’ve been,” Simons said of Walker. “They see you in a new situation, they see it’s your first time being traded and they just want to check in on you and see how you’re doing with the adjustment, because some understand it’s a real adjustment and it might take a while to feel fully comfortable doing it, but you gotta take it day-by-day and just be present.”

“I feel pretty good. Obviously, not fully I would say, but I’m getting there, and I think constant communication with the coaches, players and us getting a feel of how we’re gonna play each and every night I think is gonna help out as well, just getting the live reps.”

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...ext-praising-his-defense-before-celtics-debut

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics fight hard, but rough 2nd quarter dooms them in 105-95 loss to Knicks

The Celtics fought really hard to get back into the game after losing the 2nd quarter by 28 points. However, they just were not able to overcome it as the Knicks beat them 105-95.

Josh Hart returned to the Knicks lineup after missing their win on Wednesday against the Cavaliers. He did not start as New York started Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns. For the Celtics it was the same starting 5 as in their loss to the 76ers: Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta. Luka Garza missed the game for the Celtics with a concussion while Mitchell Robinson remained out of the Knicks lineup.

Mazzulla pulled out the hockey subs for the first substitutions of the game. We saw Anfernee Simons, Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman Sr. check in to the game.

The Celtics came out firing and the Knicks struggled in the first quarter, with Boston leading 30-22 after twelve minutes. Brown led the team in scoring with 8 points while Queta, Simons and Tillman all chipped in with 5 points.

A four-point play from Jaylen punctuated the quarter for the Celtics.

4-point play from Jaylen pic.twitter.com/n1kXhXQNxy

— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) October 25, 2025

Boston wasn’t great to start the game from three in the first and the beginning of the second quarter, shooting 4/13, 31%. They went stale at the start the 2nd quarter, missing their first 6 shots.

Then, New York put together a 17-0 run to flip the game.

The 2nd quarter was ugly for Boston; they were outscored by 42-14 in the period and the game was flipped from an 8-point Celtics lead to a 20-point deficit at halftime.

That was a very tough second quarter for the Celtics, who were outscored by 32 points pic.twitter.com/Z20Hz3ATeF

— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) October 25, 2025

It was insanely ugly quarter for the Celtics. Rebounding was the main difference. The Knicks had 33 first half rebounds, compared to the Celtics 23. Including 12 offensive rebounds for the Knicks.

The Celtics came out of the locker room strong with an 8-0 run led by Sam Hauser, who scored 6 points off of a pair of threes. However, the Knicks answered quickly and ballooned the 12-point lead back to 24 quickly.

Hugo Gonzalez had one play where he did a nice job turning the corner and finished with his left hand.

Another smooth drive from Hugo pic.twitter.com/4JU5dSicbh

— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) October 25, 2025

I enjoyed the way Hugo played throughout the game. He had 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals and was very active. I think Joe Mazzulla will be able to find him more minutes this season.

The Celtics closed the 3rd quarter down 17, 82-65. Brown and Hauser led the team in scoring with 15 points each through three quarters.

The Celtics kept chipping away in the fourth. A lot of it was because their defense, but they couldn’t get a shot to fall on offense. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard were a combined 4/22 from the field and 2/15 from three until White hit a corner three to get Boston within 10.

The Celtics tried their best to make a run and get back into the game, but they just couldn’t do it as they lost the game to one of the Eastern Conference contenders this season.

Offensive rebounds and a brutal 2nd quarter are what doomed the Celtics. If they are going to be a better team than many people are expecting them to be, they need to rebound better. You cannot give up 21 offensive rebounds and expect to win. The Celtics shot 43% from the field and 34% from three while the Knicks shot 38% from the field and 38% from three.

Boston’s next game is in Detroit on Sunday at 3:30 EST.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics...rown-derrick-white-joe-mazzulla-jalen-brunson

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/25/25

Herald Celtics struggling with predictable problem amid 0-2 start

Hugo Gonzalez looks like savvy Celtics draft pick in ‘awesome’ NBA debut

Celtics can’t complete comeback, lose to Knicks in playoff rematch

Globe Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez makes NBA debut, shows promise in loss to Knicks

Jaylen Brown, Celtics struggle early, can’t finish rally in loss to Knicks: 8 takeaways

Jaylen Brown wants NBA to give players more support amid gambling scandal, reacts to Terry Rozier arrest

Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez makes NBA debut, shows promise in loss to Knicks

The Celtics continue to search for their identity, and a disastrous second quarter leads to a loss

Another horrendous quarter dooms the Celtics again, and this is a trend that simply cannot continue

The NBA is under a cloud of suspicion. Will it wash away the belief that games are being played fairly?

NBA commissioner Adam Silver ‘deeply disturbed’ by gambling arrests of Billups and Rozier

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Knicks 10/24/25

CelticsBlog 10 takeaways from another night of learning in New York

“We need more of that”: Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez takes first big step vs Knicks

Celtics fight hard, but rough 2nd quarter dooms them in 105-95 loss to Knicks

CLNS Media Celtics Don’t Feel Far From Breakthrough Despite Winless Start

Celtics .com Hugo Gonzalez Earns League-Wide Love After Energetic Debut

Keys to the Game: Knicks 105, Celtics 95

NBC Sports Boston Celtics-Knicks recap: Late push not enough as Boston drops second straight

NESN Knicks’ Mike Brown Praises Celtics Despite Slow Start

Jaylen Brown Discusses Adapting To His New Role With Celtics

Celtics Rookie Makes Great First Impression In Stellar NBA Debut

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Sounds Off On Returning To Madison Square Garden

Mass Live Joe Mazzulla must make crucial tweak after Celtics loss to Knicks

Boston Celtics rookie’s stellar NBA debut vs. Knicks changes outlook

Sam Hauser is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Friday’s loss vs. Knicks

4 takeaways as Boston Celtics lose to Knicks, rookie shows promise

Celtics Wire Celtics jersey history No. 41 – Kelly Olynyk (2013-17)

Celtics history: Cowens, Langford born; Ford cut; Green debut; Sharman dies

New York Knicks drop Celtics in Boston’s second straight loss to begin the season

Is the defense of new Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons better than advertised?

Chris Boucher on facing former teammate OG Anunoby as a Celtic

What the Celtics need to work on

The Athletic Hugo González promising in debut, but 0-2 Celtics still learning ‘new way of life’

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown says NBA hasn’t prepared players for current gambling climate

With NBA mired in scandals, Adam Silver is in the spotlight. Can he meet the moment?

Boston Sports Journal Karalis: Celtics saying the right things, but still aren’t doing enough of them to win games

BSJ Game Report: Knicks 105, Celtics 95 – Late rally can’t erase nightmare second quarter

Final: Knicks 105, Celtics 95 – Disaster 2nd quarter, rebounding, kills Boston

Hardwood Houdini Hidden behind Celtics’ 0-2 start is a team fans need to realize is on the way

Celtics just learned harsh reality in brutal loss to Knicks

4 Observations from the Celtics’ devastating first half vs. the Knicks

CLNS Media/YouTube Garden Report: Celtics vs Knicks Postgame Show – C’s Drop to 0-2 in New York

There’s 1 MASSIVE reason for optimism after Celtics loss to Knicks | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Sam Hauser: Celtics CONFIDENT in Payton Pritchard | Postgame Interview 10-25 (FULL)

Hugo González NOT Happy after NBA Debut: “We lost the game.” | Celtics Postgame Interview (FULL)

Jaylen Brown after Celtics Fall to 0-2: “Im Learning In This New Role.” | Postgame Interview

Joe Mazzulla: Hugo Gonzalez Understands His Role | Celtics-Knicks Postgame Interview 10-24

SI .com Adam Silver Makes First Public Comments After Gambling-Scandal Arrests

Five Key Takeaways from Knicks’ Win Over Celtics

Celtics Predicted to Make Blockbuster Trade Ahead of This Year’s Deadline

NBA Analysis Jaylen Brown uses Hugo Gonzalez to make a point to his Boston Celtics teammates, ‘it can’t just…’

NBA .com Celtics-Knicks: 4 takeaways from a gritty home win in New York

Audacy Are the Celtics closer to turning the corner than they appear?

talkSPORT Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown appears to suffer awkward hairline gaffe vs Knicks

NBA Maniacs The Knicks have no rival against Boston

Barstool Sports It Looks Like Jaylen Brown’s Fake Hairline Rubbed Off On OG Anunoby’s Jersey

Don’t Let The Celtics Playing Like A** Distract You From The Fact That Hugo Gonzalez Is Clearly A Gift From The Basketball Gods

Essentially Sports Jaylen Brown Admits Personal Struggle Before Sending Clear Message to Celtics Locker Room

The Big Lead ‘NBA on Prime’ broadcast debuts unreal video game-like court

Heavy Fourth Ex-Celtic, Hall of Famer, Linked to Gambling in New Report

L’Officiel Get Ready With Emma Pritchard for the Knicks vs. Celtics Game

Celtics Chronicle The Celtics Fall To 0-2, And Get A Reality Check

Sportskeeda “It’s Time to Let it Go Jaylen”: NBA Fans in Disbelief as Jaylen Brown’s “Hairline Paint” Seemingly Rubs off on Knicks Jersey

The Hill Former NBA referee: Arrests ‘tip of the iceberg’

NY Post Disgraced ex-NBA ref Tim Donaghy warns ‘bigger scandal’ coming soon after sports betting, poker arrests

Posting and Toasting Knicks 105, Celtics 95: New York fends off late rally to stay perfect

NBA .com/Knicks Full Game Highlights: New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics – 10/24/2025

PFSN ‘80 Games Left’ — Calls Mount for Celtics To Draft AJ Dybantsa After Hugo Gonzalez’s Debut Against Knicks

Locked on Celtics Celtics IMPLODE in WORST Quarter Ever | Rebounding CRISIS Reaches NEW LOW

CBS Sports Celtics star Jaylen Brown says NBA has not prepared, protected players in new sports betting environment

Hoops Rumors Celtics Notes: Gonzalez, Simons, Scheierman, Tatum

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/123367/boston-celtics-daily-links-10-25-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/26/25

Herald Celtics struggling with predictable problem amid 0-2 start

Globe From opening tip with ‘Roundball Rock’ on, NBA return to NBC off to a good start

Game 3: Celtics-Pistons preview, injury report, notes

Braintree’s Nicolas Timberlake taken by Maine Celtics in NBA G League Draft

CelticsBlog Three big questions as Celtics look for their first win in Detroit

Are the Celtics now immune to criticism?

Celtics need more cowbell

NESN Luke Kornet’s Spurs Production Already Has Celtics Fans In Pain

Celtics Announce Jaylen Brown, Derrick White Injury Updates Before Pistons Game

Mass Live Celtics injury report: 2 starters added for Sunday’s game vs. Pistons

Celtics Wire Celtics jersey history No. 41 – Juancho Hernangomez (2021-22)

Celtics history: Brown, Fall debut; Gavitt born; Cousy, Macauley jerseys retired

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (10/26)

Hugo Gonzalez is unsatisfied with his Boston Celtics debut

Jaylen Brown says the Boston Celtics need to get more nasty on the glass

Chowder and Champions Hugo González’s Mindset is Exactly What the Celtics Need

CLNS Media/YouTube Too Soon to PANIC After Celtics 0-2 start? | Garden Report After Hours

CBS Sports Celtics’ Luka Garza: Upgraded to probable

Clutch Points Latest Jaylen Brown, Derrick White injury updates will catch Celtics fans’ attention

Essentially Sports Kevin Garnett Ignores Jaylen Brown’s Request Hours After Reported Involvement in Rigged Poker Games

SI .com 4 Key Celtics Could Miss Pistons Clash with Injuries

Celtics Make Wrong Kind of History in Loss vs Knicks

Three Takeaways From Celtics’ Rookie Hugo Gonzalez’s NBA Debut

Celtics Facing Possible Injury Dilemma for Action vs Pistons

Hoops Rumors 2025 NBA G League Draft Results

Nik NBA/YouTube Hugo Gonzalez Is the Real Deal : Film Session

Hoops Habit Tantalizing NBA storylines we’ll all be watching this season

Blazers Edge Anfernee Simons Reacts to Billups Arrest, Celtics Debut

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/123419/boston-celtics-daily-links-10-26-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

“We gotta figure it out”: Jaylen Brown admits 41-bomb vs. Pistons wasn’t enough for winless Celtics

Jaylen Brown gave the Celtics everything he had in search of their first win of the season over the Pistons on Sunday — well, mostly everything.

Boston and Detroit squared off at Little Caesars Arena, with the Celtics chasing their first win after back-to-back losses defined by single-quarter defensive collapses. Brown took matters into his own hands, delivering 41 points — the 29-year-old’s 14th career 40-point explosion. He went 12-of-25 from the floor and sank 12 free throws, serving as the offense’s driving force en route to a front page-worthy performance.

But even after dropping 41 points on an efficient shooting clip, Brown admitted it wasn’t enough to cover all areas of need to get the Celtics across the finish line.

“I don’t know, but we gotta figure that out,” Brown said after Boston’s 119-113 loss in Detroit. “I think a lot of our issues can be solved just on the defensive glass — I gotta get more involved. I gotta get some more rebounds. A lot of long shots lead to long rebounds, so just timing. Some of the shots just keep bouncing over our head, or some of those guys just keep pushing us underneath. But rebounding is definitely the biggest issue for us right now.”

The ‘issue’ in question, which Brown highlighted, has already landed the Celtics 25th in the league in that department, averaging just 39 rebounds per game. That’s the third-worst mark in the Eastern Conference, with Boston ahead of only the Cavaliers (37.3) and Nets (36.7).

Trying to establish a frontcourt capable of holding its own has backfired on the Celtics for three straight games. Payton Pritchard, the shortest player on the roster at 6-foot-1, led the team in rebounds with 10. He had six by halftime, matching both Neemias Queta — Boston’s starting center — and Brown for the night. That’s a problem. The team knew coming into the season that outworking opponents needed to be a cornerstone of its identity, yet consistency has been the Celtics’ biggest enemy. And unfortunately for President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, cloning four more copies of Hugo Gonzalez isn’t an option — at least not with current technology.

That means the onus is on the Celtics to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and, like Brown, take a hard look in the mirror on their flight from Detroit to New Orleans.

Starting a season off 0-3 might not seem like a big deal, but it’s unlike any the Celtics have seen in a while. The last time Boston opened a campaign with three straight losses was 12 years ago, when Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and Jared Sullinger made up the starting lineup for the 2013-14 Celtics. That team finished 25-57, paving the way for Boston to land Marcus Smart in that summer’s draft lottery.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla hasn’t seen his team lose three straight games since 2023. Though when Mazzulla steps back and looks at the bigger picture, he honestly couldn’t care less.

“It doesn’t matter,” Mazzulla said. “What matters is we continue to stick to the process of trying to win. You know, we had a 17-point lead today. We got to close the second quarter better. Obviously, the fouls and the rebounds at a certain time. So I thought that our effort was we played a complete game with effort. Now we gotta play a complete game with effort and execution, regardless of that.”

Detroit became the latest team to crush Boston in the rebounding margin, this time outdoing the Celtics with a 55-38 advantage that featured 19 offensive boards.

Mazzulla played Chris Boucher, Josh Minott, and Luka Garza off the bench, and that trio combined to corral four rebounds — that’s one more than Pritchard managed to collect on the offensive side of the glass.

“Everybody starts the year off about togetherness and getting through difficult times when no one anticipates it happening,” Mazzulla added. “They always think it’s going to happen later than sooner, but it happened now, so we’ve got to chip away at it.”

Pritchard added 21 points to follow Brown’s 41, and Boston’s defense held the Pistons to just 9-of-34 (25.6%) from three, offering a few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy defeat. The Celtics weren’t blown out, either, suggesting that a few adjustments and some tightening up could be the difference between a 0-3 start and a 3-0 Celtics team.

That’s the mindset they’ll need to implement moving forward if they want to leave Sunday night’s trip to Detroit right there in the Motor City.

“It’s early in the season. We’re still figuring out a lot of stuff,” Brown admitted. “Obviously, it’s not what people wanna hear, especially in Boston. It’s not an excuse, but it takes time. It does. I’ve said that before the season starts. It takes time to figure it out, and this is a part of it. It’s unfortunate. All three games, I feel like, were winnable. I didn’t play my best last game. Tonight, we got a valiant effort, but just not enough. We gotta figure it out and just focus on getting one.”

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...b-vs-pistons-wasnt-enough-for-winless-celtics

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics (0-3) at Pelicans (0-2) Game #4 10/27/25

Boston Celtics (0-3) at New Orleans Pelicans (0-2)
Monday, October 27, 2025
8:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #4 Road Game #3
TV: NBCSB, Gulf Coast Sports, NBA-LP
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WWL 870 AM, Sirius XM
Smoothie King Center

The winless Celtics take on the winless Pelicans in New Orleans. Boston is playing in the second of back to back games while the Pelicans have not played since Friday. This is the first of 2 games between these teams this season. They will meet for a 2nd, and final, time in Boston on April 10. The Celtics won the series 2-0 last season. The Celtics are 28-21 overall all time and they are 12-13 in games played in New Orleans.

Like the Celtics, the Pelicans have had a few changes since last season. They traded Kelly Olynyk and CJ McCallum to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey. They added Kevon Looney as a free agent and lost Bruce Brown to Denver as a free agent. They also added Jeremiah Fears with the 7th pick in the draft, Derik Queen with the 13th pick and Micah Peavy with the 40th pick.

The Celtics are split about evenly between returning and new players. They have 9 returning players and 8 new players on the team this season. Gone are Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet. New players include Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, Chris Boucher, Hugo Gonzalez, Luka Garza, Max Shulga, Amari Williams, and Ron Harper, Jr. The Celtics have a core of good players returning along with some young players who are excited to show what they can do.

After playing the Pistons on Sunday and the Pelicans on Monday, they will then return home for one game against the Cavaliers before going on the road to Philadelphia for their first NBA cup game. Then it’s two games back at home against Houston and Utah before 2 games in Orlando and then, at Philadelphia once again. Then they have 2 more games at home against the Grizzlies and the Clippers.

The Pelicans opened on the road in Memphis and then hosted San Antonio for their home opener. After this game against the Celtics, they will have a 3 game road trip through Denver, the LA Clippers, and Oklahoma City. After one game at home against Charlotte, they will go on the road again against Dallas, San Antonio and Phoenix before a 5 game home stand.

Jayson Tatum remains on the injury list as he rehabs from the Achilles injury. Jaylen Brown is back on the injury list as questionable with the hamstring injury. The Pelicans have 2 players out and 1 player questionable. Kevon Looney is out with a knee injury. Dejounte Murray is out as he rehabs from an Achilles tear. Zion Williamson is questionable with a foot injury.

After starting the same lineup for the first 2 games, Joe started Hugo Gonzalez against the Pistons. I’ve included the same starting lineup from the Pistons game, but starters and rotations are still fluid for the Celtics and we may or may not see the same starters, especially since Zion Williamson is the Pelicans’ starting power forward. I’ve listed the Pelicans starters from their game notes, which were also their starters from Friday’s game.

Probable Starting Matchups
PG: Derrick White vs Jordan Poole

SG: Payton Pritchard vs Herb Jones

SF: Jaylen Brown vs Trey Murphy III

PF: Hugo Gonzalez vs Zion Williamson

C: Neemias Queta vs Yves Missi

Celtics Reserves
Anfernee Simons
Josh Minott
Xavier Tillman
Jordan Walsh
Sam Hauser
Luka Garza
Baylon Scheierman
Chris Boucher

2-Way Players
Ron Harper, Jr
Max Shulga
Amari Williams

Injuries/Out
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) questionable

Head Coach
Joe Mazzulla

Pelicans Reserves
Jose Alvaredo
Saddiq Bey
Jeremiah Fears
Jordan Hawkins
DeAndre Jordan
Micah Peavy
Derik Queen
Karlo Matkovic

Two Way Players
Trey Alexander
Hunter Dickenson
Bryce McGowens

Injuries/Out
Kevon Looney (knee) out
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) out
Zion Williamson (foot) questionable

Head Coach
Willie Green

Key Matchups
Hugo Gonzalez vs Zion Williamson
Williamson is averaging 27 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.0 steals in his first games so far. He is shooting 46.2% from the field with no 3 pointers. Gonzalez started at power forward against the Pistons and he may or may not start in this game. Whoever Joe starts here will have his hands full against Williamson.

Derrick White vs Jordan Poole
Poole is averaging 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 41.2% from the field and 37.5% from the field. It will be crucial for the Celtics to defend him well and keep him from having a big game.

Honorable Mention
Jaylen Brown vs Trey Murphy III
Murphy is averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.4% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc. Jaylen Brown is coming off a big game against the Pistons and hopefully will be able to play well in this game as well.

Keys to the Game
Rebound – I’m putting rebounding as the biggest key to winning since the Celtics have lost their first 3 games largely because they weren’t able to rebound. The Celtics led the league with 52 rebounds per game in the preseason, but they only averaged 39.0 in their first 3 games, which is 25th. The Knicks out rebounded them by 17 and the Pistons out rebounded them by 17 and put up 32 second chance points. They simply have to fight harder to grab rebounds. Much of rebounding is effort as evidenced by Payton Pritchard grabbing 10 rebounds against the Pistons. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound.

Defense – As always, defense is a key to winning this, and every, game. The Celtics were second in the preseason with a defensive rating of 100.2. They struggled on the defensive end against both the 76ers, Knicks and Pistons and slipped to 22nd with a defensive rating of 116.8. The Pelicans are 15th with a defensive rating of 114.8. The Celtics must make defense a priority if they hope to win this season.

Consistency – The Celtics have been able to build a lead in all 3 of their games so far. They led by 13 against the 76ers, 8 against the Knicks and 17 against the Pistons. However, they weren’t able to keep or build on those leads. They allowed the 76ers to out-score them 42-30 in the 4th quarter. They allowed the Knicks to out score them 42-14 in the 2nd quarter and they allowed the Pistons to outscore them 36-25 in the 2nd quarter and 34-23 in the 3rd quarter. They need to play hard and well on both ends of the court for all 4 quarters and not allow the Pelicans to have a big quarter to bury them.

Pick up the Pace – After a lot of talk about playing faster in the preseason, the Celtics slowed it down in their first 3 games. They were 7th in pace in the preseason (106.13) but they are 25th after their first 3 games (97.5) Their best hope this season is to play fast and hard. They need to play faster and harder in order to get back to winning.

X-Factors
Back to Back On the Road – The Celtics are on the road once again and playing on the 2nd night of back to back games. The Celtics are younger this season than last and sometimes young players struggle more on the road than they do at home. They need to overcome the distractions of playing on the road and in front of a hostile crowd and stay focused on playing the right way. Fatigue may be a factor since the Celtics played the night before and the Pelicans haven’t played since Friday.

Officiating – Officiating always has the possibility to be an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call every bit of contact while some let them play. Some favor the home team and some call it evenly and some are just bad. Hopefully the Celtics get a crew that calls it even and lets both teams play. However the game is called, they need to focus on the game and not allow bad or no calls to take that focus away.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-...2/celtics-0-3-at-pelicans-0-2-game-4-10-27-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

“He doesn’t have a choice”: Josh Minott delivers spark Celtics needed to break through vs. Pelicans

Three times, the Celtics fought and fell short of their first win of the 2025-26 season, with each loss defined by the same problem: an inability to rebound. On Monday night against the Pelicans, they turned to fourth-year forward Josh Minott for his first career NBA start.

That decision paid off tremendously.

Minott joined Neemias Queta in Joe Mazzulla’s double-big lineup, a move designed to counter a winless, Zion Williamson-less Pelicans squad. Boston entered the night ranked 25th in the league in rebounds per game (39), and relying on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to mask that deficiency simply wasn’t sustainable. So it quickly became a time for creativity for Mazzulla, who had just 24 hours earlier inserted rookie Hugo Gonzalez into the starting lineup in Detroit.

This time, with Minott getting a chance to pinch-hit, the 22-year-old rewarded the Celtics with a career-high 15 points, nine rebounds, a steal, and a block across 28 minutes. He finished with a +42 plus-minus, tying for the 8th-best mark recorded in team history (play-by-play era).

“I’m still kind of high on life from the game right now,” Minott said after Boston’s 122-90 win over New Orleans. “I mean, just the opportunity to be out there, just to contribute to winning, contribute to team success. I can’t take that for granted. Joe’s given me that opportunity, and I just don’t want to allow that to go in vain.”

Minott’s mission was accomplished at Smoothie King Center.

On the very first play of the game, after White secured the jump-ball deflection for Boston, Minott soared to the rim and hammered home an alley-oop from White, giving the Celtics an immediate spark.

From there, Minott’s nearly 7-foot wingspan helped the Celtics turn defense into offense throughout the night. In the second quarter, he intercepted a hand-off pass from Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey and finished with a two-handed dunk on the other end, taking advantage of a wide-open floor. Minott crashed hard after hanging on the rim a moment too long, but bounced back to his feet seconds later and immediately returned to disrupting New Orleans on the inbound.

“I cocked it back, and I was thinking about just flushing it — you know, just a little clean flush,” Minott recalled. “But then I’m like, ‘A game like this, it’s a must-win.’ So I’m like, I don’t wanna break the dunk, so I’m just gonna make sure the ball goes through the rim. So, like in life, I held on too long — sometimes you just gotta let go in life. But it didn’t hurt, though.”

To no surprise, Minott’s “can’t-keep-me-down” demeanor lined up perfectly with what Mazzulla expected.

“He doesn’t have a choice,” Mazzulla said of Minott’s second-quarter fall. “You get hurt, you’re not playing ever again. So he had the right attitude. He got up, and he almost got the deflection, I think. Again, it hasn’t gone the way we anticipated, but I think we’ve gotten better physically and mentally, and those plays show that. You have to stay hungry. You have to keep playing. You’ve got to keep chipping away at the identity that we need to create. I think Josh has bought into that.”

Mazzulla’s decision to give Minott meaningful minutes showed that, while the Celtics might not be able to rely on outmatching opponents in talent like they have in past seasons, they can outwork them. Sending that message is only one side of the coin — the other is putting that philosophy into action, which the Celtics are striving to do with a cast of unproven role players. Minott spent three seasons with the Timberwolves without logging a single career start before making his Boston debut in the team’s fourth game of the season. Mazzulla’s trust in him paid off this time, but the Celtics still need to find consistency for the formula to work over the long haul.

Between Minott, Queta, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman Sr., the Celtics can turn any direction at any given time. Mazzulla isn’t waiting around. If the moment demands a substitution, Mazzulla is pulling that trigger without hesitation. And this isn’t some scheme designed to pile pressure on the frontcourt, either. Boston is essentially hosting Open Mic Night each week under the basket, with every center on the roster welcome to showcase their skills until Mazzulla decides it’s time for a change.

Minott has no issue with that.

“It forces all of us to understand that it could be anyone’s opportunity that night,” Minott said. “And what I love about that is you have to wake up each day and realize, I have to lock in, because I could be the one to help us impact winning that night. So all 15, 16 — however many of us there are — you just gotta wake up each day and understand, like, ‘This could be my night to really help us impact winning.’”

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...k-celtics-needed-to-break-through-vs-pelicans

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/28/25

Herald Jaylen Brown asks Celtics fans for patience after first win: ‘We lost four All-Stars’

Two newcomers lead way as Celtics blow out Pelicans for first win

Globe Jaylen Brown says fans should have patience with new-look Celtics

Anfernee Simons, Celtics catch fire late, blow out Pelicans for first win: 8 takeaways

Simons scores 25 points as the Celtics earn their first victory by beating the Pelicans 122-90

Celtics start fast, pull away from Pelicans for first win of the season

Hugo González, 19, forced Joe Mazzulla’s hand with advanced defensive game

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Pelicans 8/27/25

CelticsBlog 10 takeaways from the Celtics finally getting their first win

Jaylen Brown is relishing the journey: “I believe in this group”

‘That’s the Ant I know’: Anfernee Simons finally had his Celtics breakout

“He doesn’t have a choice”: Josh Minott delivers spark Celtics needed to break through vs. Pelicans

Celtics beat Pelicans for first win of the season, 122-90

Celtics .com Whynot Minott? Josh Makes Celtics History in First NBA Start

Keys to the Game: Celtics 122, Pelicans 90

NBC Sports Boston Celtics-Pelicans recap: Simons leads dominant fourth quarter in C’s first win

Jaylen Brown’s message to Celtics fans is worth heeding amid slow start

NESN Jaylen Brown Makes Surprise Announcement Amid Haircut Controversy

Celtics Newcomer Seizes Opportunity In First Career NBA Start

Jaylen Brown Preaches Patience Amid Celtics’ Slow Start

Former NBA Star Warns Celtics’ Jayson Tatum About Possible Return

Nets Center Fits With Celtics, But Path To Trade Is Tough

Mass Live New Celtics addition delivers career night amid surprise switch in Pelicans win

Jaylen Brown playing through injury to help get Boston Celtics on track

Boston Celtics trade acquisition shines in new role in Pelicans win

Payton Pritchard is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in win over Pelicans

4 takeaways as Boston Celtics beat Pelicans, earn 1st win of season

Celtics Wire Are the Celtics a bad team without star forward Jayson Tatum?

Will Gonzalez have a big role to play for the Celtics this season?

What did we learn from the Boston Celtics first win of the season?

Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla addresses rotating power forward spot

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown is making the most of his hamstring issues

Celtics’ Simons reveals adjustments following big scoring night

The Celtics beat the Pels 122-90 to get their first win of 2025-26

Celtics jersey history No. 42 – Bobby Wilson (1977)

Celtics history: Red passes; Jones coach, Rozier player debut; Nelson signs

The Athletic NBA national TV game guide: Superlatives for Knicks-Bucks, Lakers-Wolves and more

Boston Sports Journal Even if it’s a fleeting feeling, the first win of the season was something the Celtics really needed

BSJ Game Report: Celtics 122, Pelicans 90 – C’s pour it on late for first win

Hardwood Houdini Derrick White is the solution to many of the Celtics’ problems

Jaylen Brown’s leadership has passed the test for the Celtics so far

Jaylen Brown says the quiet part out loud about Celtics’ rough start

Anfernee Simons sends clear message in Celtics win vs. Pelicans

CLNS Media/YouTube Garden Report: Celtics vs Pelicans Postgame Show on CLNS – C’s Get First Win of Season

There’s LOTS to love about the Celtics’ first win | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Is Neemias Queta the New Luke Kornet? | Garden Report After Hours

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Joe Mazzulla on Celtics First Win of Season “It Takes Time.” | Postgame Interview (FULL)

Josh Minott on His First NBA Start | Celtics vs Pelicans Postgame 12-27 (FULL)

ESPN NBA gambling investigations: How players, coaches reacted to the news

NBA Analysis Boston Celtics told to promote Anfernee Simons and drop star, ‘put him back on the bench’

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Sporting News Celtics have one major issue without Tatum which shouldn’t surprise anyone

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The Sports Hub Celtics Notebook: A potentially historically bad start

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Hoops Rumors Celtics Notes: Simons, Minott, Brown, Gonzalez

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NBA .com Game Recap: Celtics 122, Pelicans 90

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Pelican Debrief Pelicans continue to fall in the West following another disappointing loss

Fansided NBA Power Rankings: Celtics crater, Spurs have arrived, stats to watch and more

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Sportskeeda “On the street 4 days ago”: Joe Mazzulla Delivers Wild Rhetoric to DeAndre Jordan Dunk Over Neemias Queta

NOLA .com Without Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans get routed by Boston Celtics

Barstool Sports Jaylen Brown Has Heard The Hairline Jokes And Is Shaving His Head Live On His Twitch Stream Tonight

Hoops Wire Teams face rookie-scale decisions by Oct. 31

Basketball Forever NBA Memo Reveals Concerns Over Integrity Amid Gambling Allegations

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/123570/boston-celtics-daily-links-10-28-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Early season results: Celtics Reacts Survey

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Celtics fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The season is underway and we have been able to watch about a week’s worth of games. That is probably too small a sample size to make any great proclamations about the team, but it is enough to start to rethink preconceived perceptions.

Is what you’ve seen enough to change your preseason expectations? Do you see something on the court that you didn’t expect (at least to the degree you had imagined)? Or is this playing out about how you expected it to?

Tell us about it in the survey questions here and in the comments section below.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-discussion-topics/123643/celtics-reacts-survey

 

[Boston Celtics]

“You gotta make that choice”: Celtics committed to Joe Mazzulla’s vision vs. Cavs — and it paid off

Maybe the Celtics have much more in the tank than their first three games suggested — much, much more.

Boston’s 0-3 start to the season quickly drew doubt surrounding the team’s frontcourt, offseason, and overall ability to compete without Jayson Tatum. It only took three games for the online discourse surrounding the team to turn to, ‘Should we just tank like it’s 2013-14 all over again?’

The rebounding was atrocious, so much so that the Celtics sank to 27th in the league in rebounding (39 per game) amid the three-game losing streak. Getting a win became a monkey on the team’s back, casting confusion about how a team that looked so elite in the preseason could look even more out of place to begin the regular season.

The road trip finale in New Orleans earned the Celtics their first win, but Wednesday night’s return to TD Garden to host the Cavaliers awarded Boston with its first sign of turning a new leaf.

Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers, coming off last season’s Eastern Conference-best run, reconnected with the Celtics amid their three-game winning streak. But instead of imposing its dominance in kicking a shorthanded Boston team while it’s down, Cleveland was fed a heavy dose of reality as the Celtics trotted away with a 125-105 victory before cueing a much-deserved “Gino Time” celebration at home.

Several factors contributed to Boston’s first upset win of the year, but Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla summed it up in one simple concept: choices.

“It’s one of those things that you have to make the choice every day when you wake up that you’re gonna rebound on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said. “When you wake up in the morning, you gotta just make that choice. So it’s not something that we figured out. We have to remind and watch it tomorrow, and then we’re either going to do good or we’re not, and then we gotta remind and do it again. So it’s just one of those habits and disciplines that never goes away and you just constantly have to work on it.”

In the battle of the margins, Boston steamrolled Cleveland. The Celtics scored 125 points, grabbed 52 rebounds (18 offensive), dished out 29 assists, and knocked down 21 total 3-pointers — all season highs and all better than the Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Mazzulla’s squad also limited its total turnovers to just eight, the fewest they’ve committed this season. The game became so lopsided that Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson waved the white flag with 2:47 left, trailing by 15 points.

For the final few minutes of regulation, the entire TD Garden faithful let out a collective sigh of relief — a feeling Celtics fans haven’t enjoyed in what seems like ages. Sam Hauser, who finished with 21 points, even snagged a stray piece of confetti from the team’s 2024 Banner 18 celebration while relaxing on Boston’s bench — perhaps an omen that much brighter days are just around the corner.

Regardless, the Celtics managed to earn Mazzulla’s approval to snag their second straight win.

“The effort that we have going after them has been top-notch, especially over the last couple (of games),” Mazzulla said. “You know you’re not gonna play it perfect, but if you get two hands on it, get it and then just have effort to go get it. So, guys have done a good job of that.”

Josh Minott stayed in the starting lineup alongside Neemias Queta, and the two bigs caused headaches for the Cavaliers all night. Minott contributed with 11 points, 14 rebounds (a career-high), and three steals, while Queta added 10 points, 13 rebounds (also a career-high), and three steals, finishing a +25 on the night. Both unproven players made life much easier for their teammates, providing the Celtics with a rock-solid foundation in what has long been their most vulnerable area on the floor.

“I think we’re all bought into whatever strategy Joe has,” Minott explained. “We’re just believing in him, trusting in him. I’m just a player, man — he’s got a way tougher job. I don’t want to gas his head too much, but we’re bought into the strategies Joe has each night, and whatever that looks like, we’re just trying to go out there and execute it.”

The Celtics played a tough, blue-collar brand of basketball, perfectly suited to the roster Mazzulla and his staff are working with this season. They generated scoring opportunities through smart passing and relentless defensive energy, building a 16-3 advantage over Cleveland in second-chance points en route to a 75-point first half. None of it relied on a back-breaking scoring outburst from any single player. Instead, it demonstrated just how far disciplined, team-oriented basketball can carry a team on any given night — and this time, it was Minott and Queta standing tall at the forefront for Boston.

“Josh and Neemi both on the glass were exceptional, and that’s what we’re gonna need going forward,” Jaylen Brown said. “I think rebounding is one of the most obvious things in basketball, but it makes a huge difference. I think rebounding was great for us tonight.”

Revisiting the basics could, at times, be an exhausting trial. Last season, the Celtics weren’t even thinking about re-establishing the fundamentals within their identity; it was all about defending their championship by chasing another one. But with a new-look team, amid some even more unfamiliar circumstances, Boston is working with the deck of cards it was dealt — and they’re doing so with no complaints.

In the grand scheme, serving the Cavaliers a 20-piece chicken nugget marked a small but meaningful step toward brighter days.

“I’m definitely seeing us building in the right direction,” Brown ensured. “Sometimes it results in wins. Sometimes it results in losses. But as long as we continue to develop and get better, that’s the most important thing for this group right now — to learn and get better. And sometimes you gotta do it through experience. You can’t expect a bunch of new guys to come in and expect them to know how to win. We’re gonna learn. We’re gonna build. And I know we’re not gonna make any excuses, but it’s a great challenge that I’m excited for.”

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...-joe-mazzullas-vision-vs-cavs-and-it-paid-off

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics pick up third-year option for Baylor Scheierman

The Boston Celtics have picked up the third-year team option on Baylor Scheierman’s rookie contract, keeping him under contract for the 2026-27 season. Scheierman, the 30th pick in the 2024 Draft, will be owed a salary of $2.74 million next year. By exercising the team option, the Celtics retain a young prospect for cheap, paving the way for them to reload the roster next year.

Baylor is entering just the second season of his NBA career at 25 years old. As a rookie, he appeared in 31 games for Boston, starting two of them. He averaged 3.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 steals in 12.4 minutes per game. In those games, he had shooting splits of 35.5/31.7/75.0.

He also spent some time with Boston’s G-League counterpart out of Maine last year. He played 11 regular season games with them, and was much more impactful there. He averaged 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.9 steals in 32.8 minutes per game. His shooting numbers were a bit better too – 41.9% from the floor, 33.3% from three, and 78.6% from the free-throw line.

Scheierman will be looking to build on his rookie season and establish a role for himself in the Celtics rotation given their short-handedness in the wings department this season. He’s a creative facilitator, but has lacked shooting touch and NBA-level defensive skills so far, both areas that should be a focus for his development.

Given that Baylor is still on his rookie contract, the Celtics will again have a team option on whether they want to bring him back for a fourth year at the start of next season. If they choose to do so, they will owe him $4.95 million in 2027-28, and will have him as a restricted free-agent at the end of that season.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/123822/celtics-pick-up-third-year-option-for-baylor-scheierman

 

[Boston Celtics]

Parquet plays: 3-on-2s and 2-on-1s lead to 29 assists and 21 threes in win over Cavaliers

We can often get caught up in basketball terminology and the complicated intricacies of the Celtics offense. We’ve also oversimplified it, called it Mazzulla Ball, and said it was just about shooting threes.

“Find the 2-on-1. Make the right play versus the 2-on-1. It’s that simple,” Mazzulla frustratingly told former CelticsBlogger Jack Simone during the preseason. “Could be a three, could be a layup. Find the two-on-one. I’ve answered that for two years now.”

Joe Mazzulla gets frustrated when asked how the Celtics three-point shooting is impacted by their new fast paced style:

“I’ve answered that question 100 times… I’ve said it for three years when you just keep ignoring what I said.”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/N4lNvUzBog

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) October 13, 2025

In seasons past, the Celtics could hunt for mismatches and/or force opposing teams to pick their poison. Do they switch on screens and take their chances with Kristaps Porzingis backing down a smaller defender in the post? Is Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum attacking the rim more dangerous than letting Al Horford shoot an open three?

Without that championship frontcourt and fewer veteran ballhanders this year, Boston has to rely on more ball and man movement with multiple actions generating more scoring options per possession.

Some great work by the Celtics creating 3-on-2s and 2-on-1s to generate season highs in threes (21) and assists (29).

It's technically Pritchard with the dime and Hauser with the triple, but the entire action relies on Garza reading both their movements and reacting accordingly. pic.twitter.com/fKlGUtJRt1

— Bill Sy (@deliberatepix) October 30, 2025

In their first five games, the Celtics were middle of the road in creating catch-and-shoot opportunities at 25 per game. By comparison, the Knicks are #1 at 35.5 and the 1-3 Magic average just 15.8. Here’s the kicker: Boston is dead last in FG% at 29.6% and 29.5% from behind the arc.

And that’s after the Celtics put up 125 points against the Cavaliers, last year’s Eastern Conference #1 seed. They didn’t exactly shoot lights out from behind the arc (21-of-57 for 36.8%), but throughout the game, Boston got good looks and consistently took advantage of what was the 6th best defense in the league. How? Creating 3-on-2 and 2-on-1 advantages by spacing the floor, setting productive screens, and limiting their turnovers to just eight.

With Garza in the corner, Brown attracts not just his defender (Wade), but also Ball and Mobley. That leads to Simons to attack the close out with options to kick out to Pritchard and Hauser in the corners. pic.twitter.com/aqTxi2NO22

— Bill Sy (@deliberatepix) October 30, 2025

After the game, Sam Hauser said, “It’s an adjustment: you’re expending more energy. When you don’t have your legs under you as much as maybe you’re used to, it’s harder to make shots. But you get a few games under your belt, you start to get used to it.”

Boston’s frantic pace and punishing early schedule of five-games-in-eight-nights has tested the team’s commitment to their playstyle after an 0-3 start. And while two wins won’t exactly catapult them up the power rankings, you can see the offensive system working. And for what it’s worth, the Celtics have a top-10 offense with a 118.2 rating.

The tracking data backs that up. They’re second in the league in generating open shots (closest defender 4-6 feet away) at 34.6 per game and 12th in creating wide open threes at 20.4. To Hauser’s point, yes, they’re working harder for those looks and only time will tell if they can maintain this pace for the entire 82-game marathon.

Pritchard rejects Garza's screen, knowing that if Hunter digs too deep, he's got White in the corner. That's not the advantage though. By hitting the paint, that engages the final two defenders. With Nance protecting the rim, Ball commits to Hauser with Simons wide open above… pic.twitter.com/rhbsTS94ZM

— Bill Sy (@deliberatepix) October 30, 2025

Yes, rebounding has been an issue. They’re 28th in defensive rebounding percentage at 62.9%. And they’re not exactly crushing the points off turnovers differential, scoring 16.2 points off turnovers vs. 15.4 opponents points off turnovers. Against Cleveland, they outrebounded the Cavaliers 53-42 and had a 23-20 edge on second chance points and they had five fewer turnovers and scored five more points of them. All in all, a win in the war of the trenches.

But Wednesday’s first home win was a good example that even though those margins didn’t win them this game, they proved that they can beat a contender with just solid fundamentals.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...9-assists-and-21-threes-in-win-over-cavaliers

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics start march to NBA Cup with 109-108 win over 76ers

First win: check. First home win: check. First NBA Cup win: check.

After a strong performance hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, the Celtics followed up that blowout win with a 109-108 squeaker over the 76ers in the City of Brotherly Love.

Jaylen Brown continued his strong start to the 2025-2026 season with 32 points on 13-of-19 shooting (4-of-7 from behind the arc) and six assists. Anfernee Simons scored 19 off the bench with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard chipping in 15 each.

Boston raced out to a 24-point lead in the second quarter with Joe Mazzulla going ten-deep into his rotation. Philly cut the lead to 11 at halftime and tied the game in the middle of the 3rd, but strong offensive rebounding and a frantic defense to close out the game earned the Celtics a win and squared their record at 3-3.

The Celtics wrap up a back-to-back at TD Garden tomorrow night, hosting Kevin Durant and the new look Rockets at 8 pm EST.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics...-march-to-nba-cup-with-109-108-win-over-76ers

 

[Boston Celtics]

Houston Rockets (2-2) at Boston Celtics (3-3) Game #7 11/1/25

Houston Rockets (2-2) at Boston Celtics (3-3)
Saturday, November 1, 2025
8:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #7, Home Game #3
TV: NBCSB, Space City Home Network, NBA-LP
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, KBME 790 AM
TD Garden

The Celtics host the Houston Rockets for the first of 2 meetings between these two teams this season. They will meet again in Houston on February 4. They split the series 1-1 last season, with each team winning on the road. The Celtics are 98-57 against the Rockets overall, all time. They are 49-22 in games played in Boston.

The Rockets made some significant changes since last season. Their biggest change was a trade that brought Kevin Durant and Clint Capela to Houston in exchange for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and the 10th pick in the draft. They also signed Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie as free agents. They also brought in JD Davison as a 2-way player.

After this game at home against Houston, the Celtics will then play Utah and Washington at home before a 3 game road trip including 2 games in Orlando and one at Philadelphia. One of those games in Orlando will be the second NBA Cup game. Then they have 2 games at home against Memphis and the LA Clippers. Then it is one game on the road at Brooklyn before playing Brooklyn, Orlando, and Detroit at home.

The Rockets return home to play Dallas after this game. They then play 3 games on the road against Memphis, San Antonio, and Milwaukee. They return home for 3 games against Washington, Portland, and Orlando. Then it’s one game on the road at Cleveland and one game at home against Denver before a 4 game road trip through Phoenix, Golden State, and two games in Utah.

Jayson Tatum remains out as he rehabs from the Achilles tear he suffered in the playoffs. Derrick White is listed as probable with neck stiffness. Payton Pritchard is probable due to an ankle sprain. Pritchard twisted his left ankle during Friday’s win over the 76ers, but he stayed in the game and finished the game.

For the Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith has been out of action since training camp while he recovers from offseason left ankle surgeryand will miss this game. Fred VanVleet is out for the season after tearing his ACL in an off season workout in the Bahamas.

I’m guessing that the Celtics will go with the same starting lineup that they have used in the last 3 games that includes Josh Minott. They won all 3 games that he has started. I’m including the big starting lineup that the Rockets used in their last game. It includes 4 starters who are 6’7 or above and one that is 6’4.

Probable Starting Matchups
PG: Derrick White vs Amen Thompson

SG: Payton Pritchard vs Josh Okogie

SF: Jaylen Brown vs Kevin Durant

PF: Josh Minott vs Jabari Smith, Jr

C: Neemias Queta vs Alperen Sengun

Celtics Reserves
Anfernee Simons
Chris Boucher
Xavier Tillman
Jordan Walsh
Hugo Gonzalez
Luka Garza
Baylon Scheierman
Sam Hauser

2-Way Players
Ron Harper, Jr
Max Shulga
Amari Williams

Injuries/Out
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out
Derrick White (neck) probable
Payton Pritchard (ankle) probable

Head Coach
Joe Mazzulla

Rockets Reserves
Aaron Holiday
Jae’sean Tate
Steven Adams
Reed Sheppard
Tari Eason
Clint Capela
Jeff Green

Two Way Players
Kevon Harris
JD Davison
Isaiah Crawford

Injuries/Out
Fred VanVleet (ACL) out
Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) out

Head Coach
Ime Udoka

Key Matchups
Jaylen Brown vs Kevin Durant
This should be a good matchup. Durant is averaging 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. He is shooting 52.2% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. Brown is averaging 27.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 55% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the arc. Of course, Durant has a height advantage, which could come into play.

Neemias Queta vs Alperen Sengun
Sengun is averaging 23.8 points, 8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2 steals per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 57.1% on threes. The Celtics need to defend him well and box out on rebounds if they want to win this game.

Honorable Mention
Payton Pritchard vs Amen Thompson
Thompson is averaging 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1 steal per game. He is shooting 45.8% from the field with no 3 pointers. At 6’7″ he has a height advantage over Payton Pritchard but hopefully, Pritchard can use his speed and ball handling to get around him.

Keys to the Game
Defense – As always, defense is a key to winning this, and every, game. The Celtics were second in the preseason with a defensive rating of 100.2. The Celtics are 8th with a defensive rating of 111.2. The Rockets are 20th with a defensive rating of 116.0. The Rockets lead the league, averaging 127.8 points per game The Celtics must play tough lock down defense in this game if they want to beat the Rockets.

Rebound – Rebounding may be the biggest key to winning right now since the Celtics lost their first 3 games largely because they weren’t able to rebound. The Celtics averaged 39.0 in their first 3 games and they lost those 3 games. They have bounced back to out-rebound their opponents in the last 3 games, which were all wins. They simply have to fight harder to grab rebounds than the Rockets, especially since the Rockets have so much size. Much of rebounding is effort as evidenced by Payton Pritchard grabbing 10 rebounds against the Pistons. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound.

Consistency – The Celtics were able to build a lead in their first 3 games. They led by 13 against the 76ers, 8 against the Knicks and 17 against the Pistons . However, they weren’t able to keep or build on those leads. On Friday, the Celtics built a 24 point lead but won by just 1 point. They need to play well on both ends of the court for all 4 quarters and not allow the Rockets to build a lead or to overcome a Celtics’ lead. The Celtics know how to play to win, but they have to play that way consistently and not just for 1 or 2 quarters.

Effort and Energy – In their past 3 games, the Celtics played harder and with more energy than their opponents. That has to be their identity this season. They have to play harder on defense. They have to rebound harder. They have to play with energy and extra effort for every possession. They can’t allow the Rockets to play harder than them and have to play with more energy.

X-Factors
At Home and Fatigue – The Celtics are at home where they are 1-1 so far. The Celtics have the crowd behind them and if they give a good effort, the fans will cheer them on and help to motivate them. However, they are playing on the second night of back to back games and are already playing their 7th game while the Rockets are just playing in their 5th game and have not played since Wednesday so fatigue may come into play.

Coaching – The Rockets are led by former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, who left Boston under less than desirable circumstances. He was suspended for violating team rules and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla was made interim coach. Eventually, Udoka was officially released and Mazzulla was made head coach. I am sure that Udoka would love nothing more than to beat the team that let him go after he led that team to the Finals.

Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call it tight and call every bit of contact while others allow more physical play. Some favor the home team while others call both sides evenly. The Celtics have to adjust to the way the refs are calling the game and not allow the no calls and bad calls to affect their focus on playing the game.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-...kets-2-2-at-boston-celtics-3-3-game-7-11-1-25