The Boston Celtics delivered a dominant preseason performance, routing the Philadelphia 76ers 144-106 on October 10. This emphatic win followed a 124-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8. All eyes, however, are on new acquisition Paul George, who teammates and coaches have described as looking 'tremendous' in training camp practices.
The Celtics' offense was unstoppable against the 76ers, putting up 144 points in a game that was never close. That offensive outburst built on a solid 124-point effort against the Cavaliers just two days prior. These preseason results, while not counting toward the regular-season standings, provide a clear glimpse of the team's potential scoring depth. Players up and down the roster are getting significant minutes, allowing head coach Joe Mazzulla to evaluate rotations and defensive schemes.
Rookie guard Devin Carter stood out in the win over Cleveland, showing big potential with his energy and playmaking. Veteran center Neemias Queta also impressed, mentioning that his development this preseason is just the 'beginning of the iceberg.' The competition for the final roster spots is intense, with former lottery pick Luka Garza making a strong case by bolstering the team's center depth.
Paul George's seamless transition is the top storyline of Celtics camp. His fit alongside Jayson Tatum is being hailed as perfect by analysts, with some suggesting Tatum already has more synergy with George than he ever did with former teammate Jaylen Brown. George himself has addressed his trade from Philadelphia, calling his move to Boston a 'fresh start.' His ability to space the floor, create his own shot, and defend multiple positions adds a new dimension to Boston's attack.
Tatum is coming off an Achilles tear but expects to play back-to-back games in the 2026-27 season, a major positive for the team's durability. The bond between Tatum and George was reportedly strengthened over the summer, with the pair using golf outings to build chemistry off the court. This connection is expected to translate to easy baskets and tough defensive assignments once the real games begin.
Defense remains a central focus. Young wing Jordan Walsh received high praise from teammate Payton Pritchard, who said Walsh 'can be the best defender in the NBA.' Another young player, Hugo Gonzalez, stated his first job is to be an elite defender, showing he's ready for a larger role. This collective commitment to stopping opponents could make Boston, as one report labeled them, the most 'annoying' team in the league to play against.
The team also faces some rotation decisions. There is debate about whether Mitchell Robinson should start over Neemias Queta at center. Also, the Celtics have a 'Sam Hauser dilemma' regarding his role and minutes after his consistent shooting performances. How Mazzulla balances these lineup choices will be something to watch on our roster page as the season progresses.
The Celtics' preseason continues with a home game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 14. This will be another test for the new-look lineup and a final chance for players on the bubble to state their case before roster cuts. After that, the focus shifts entirely to the regular season, where expectations are sky-high for a squad led by Tatum and George. The team appears poised for another deep playoff run, and these preseason blowouts have only amplified the buzz surrounding them.
