Former Boston Celtics champions Brian Scalabrine and Paul Pierce believe this year's team is built to finish near the top of the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are riding a two-game winning streak, most recently demolishing the Chicago Bulls 134-99 on October 26, 2026. Their recent form shows two wins and one loss, with victories over the Bulls and New York Knicks sandwiching a loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Brian Scalabrine, the former fan favorite and current team broadcaster, recently shared his optimism. "I'm bullish on them in the regular season," Scalabrine said during an interview for NBC Sports. Scalabrine's former teammate, Hall of Famer Paul Pierce from the 2008 title team, has expressed similar thoughts about this Celtics squad being a major problem for the rest of the NBA.
Scalabrine did inject a note of caution about the playoffs, however. He noted that playing without Jaylen Brown and relying on Jayson Tatum with a largely new supporting cast presents an unknown variable. The postseason dynamics, with tighter rotations and more intense defensive schemes, will be the true test for this group's championship mettle.
The Celtics' on-court results back up the positive talk. After a tough 121-113 road loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 20, they bounced back with a tight 107-103 win against the New York Knicks on October 23. That momentum exploded into a 35-point blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls just three days later. Scoring 134 points demonstrates an offensive firepower that can overwhelm opponents, a key trait for any team with top-of-the-conference aspirations.
Jayson Tatum's leadership will be central as he guides the newer pieces through the NBA schedule. The team's ability to maintain a high level of play on both ends of the floor, evidenced by holding the Bulls under 100 points, is a promising early sign.
Boston has a quick turnaround to test their winning streak. They host the Brooklyn Nets at home on October 27, 2026. This presents another opportunity to solidify their standing and build chemistry before a long season. A win would push their streak to three games and provide more evidence for the high expectations placed on them.
Managing the roster and avoiding major injuries will be important for Head Coach Joe Mazzulla as he looks to keep the team fresh. The early schedule offers a mix of conference rivals, and establishing dominance at home is a foundational step for any playoff seed. Fans can follow the entire upcoming slate of games on our schedule hub.
The blend of veteran insight from champions like Scalabrine and Pierce, combined with tangible early-season success, creates a palpable sense of possibility around the franchise. Their next performance against the Nets will be another data point in evaluating just how high this team can climb.
