The Boston Celtics are rolling with a 4-1 record, carrying a four-game winning streak into their NBA Cup opener against the Orlando Magic on November 1. Their latest victory was a convincing 125-111 win over the Chicago Bulls on October 30, part of a recent run that includes a 125-124 thriller against Brooklyn and a 134-99 blowout of the Bulls.
Their offense has been explosive. In their last five games, the Celtics have averaged over 121 points. The 134-99 win over Chicago on October 26 highlighted their firepower. Head coach Joe Mazzulla is getting contributions across the roster. Payton Pritchard is providing more than just scoring, while Jordan Walsh, often left open by opponents, is focused on making them pay from the perimeter. Sam Hauser noted the team is playing differently with Jayson Tatum initiating the offense, a shift that has made Tatum a legitimate MVP candidate early on.
Team dynamics and new methods are under the microscope. Mazzulla has openly discussed using AI in practice for analytical purposes, calling it a tool for player development. The Celtics' defense has also started the 2026-27 season on the right foot, a positive sign for their championship aspirations. Off the court, the team's ownership made a major $200 million gift to Boston Children's Hospital. On it, they'll debut a special green court for NBA Cup games, a departure from the traditional parquet.
The immediate task is a road game against the Orlando Magic, who may be without star Paolo Banchero. Handling a back-to-back schedule and managing star players' minutes, as Paul George discussed, will be important. Maintaining this early momentum against Eastern Conference rivals is the clear goal.
