The Boston Celtics are gearing up for the 2026-27 NBA season, and with their recent form showing 0W-0D-5L, they are looking to bounce back. Their last result was a 100-109 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on 2026-05-02.
What happened?
The Celtics had a major offseason roster change, with All-Star guard Jaylen Brown leaving and former All-Star Paul George arriving. Jayson Tatum is expected to return from a torn Achilles suffered during the 2025 NBA playoffs. He played just 16 games last season and was unavailable for Boston's win-or-go-home Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.
Why it matters for Boston Celtics
Tatum's health will be crucial if the Celtics hope to bounce back from their disappointing early playoff exit. Despite Tatum's limited availability, Boston still won 56 games during the 2025-26 regular season. Jaylen Brown emerged as the team's primary option, but there is no reason to believe Tatum cannot return to that role next season. If Tatum is healthy and back to his All-NBA level, Boston could once again become one of the Eastern Conference's most dangerous teams.
What comes next?
The Celtics will also add several veterans who could make an immediate impact. Paul George has an opportunity to revitalize his career in Boston. The former All-Star may no longer be the player he was during his prime, but he can still provide Boston with another reliable scoring option alongside Tatum. George also fits naturally into the Celtics' three-point-heavy offensive system under head coach Joe Mazzulla. His shooting could be particularly valuable, as he shot 49% from three-point range during the 2026 NBA playoffs while also posting a 45% overall field-goal percentage.
The Eastern Conference features several talented teams, but not every contender has players with recent championship experience. Boston's core already knows what it takes to win at the highest level. The Celtics will also add Mitchell Robinson, who played an important role in the New York Knicks' championship run. Robinson's defense and offensive rebounding provide Boston with an interior presence that could become particularly important during the playoffs.
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, they will look to build on their previous success and make a deep playoff run. With Tatum's expected return and George's arrival, they have the potential to be a top contender in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics' recent form may not be promising, but they have the talent and experience to turn their season around and make a push for the championship.
