Boston Celtics 2025-26 Season Preview: New Era Without Tatum
After back-to-back 60+ win seasons, the Boston Celtics enter the 2025-26 NBA season facing a major challenge — life without their superstar Jayson Tatum. The five-time All-NBA forward tore his Achilles during the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, forcing Boston to adapt its identity under head coach Joe Mazzulla and President Brad Stevens’ strategic reshuffle.
FILE – Boston Celtics owner Bill Chisholm, seated right, applauds during the first half in game 2 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series against the Orlando Magic, April 23, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Offseason Changes: A Reset for the Future
This offseason marked a financial and structural reset for Boston. The team traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, freeing up cap space while acquiring Anfernee Simons, a dynamic scorer who averaged over 17 points per game across four straight seasons.
The Celtics also added Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Josh Minott to strengthen depth, while rookies Hugo González, Amari Williams, and Max Shulga provide future upside.
Meanwhile, veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet departed via free agency, leaving Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard as the core leaders for 2025-26.
Jaylen Brown Takes the Spotlight
For the first time in eight years, Jaylen Brown will headline a Celtics season without Tatum alongside him. Brown averaged 22.2 points per game last year — his sixth straight season topping 20 points — and could push toward his career-best 26.6 from 2022-23.
Without Tatum’s playmaking gravity, Brown’s ability to adapt as a primary scorer and leader will define Boston’s offensive ceiling. He’ll rely heavily on White’s two-way balance and Pritchard’s shooting and energy to maintain rhythm in the backcourt.
Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jaylen Brown gear up for another season looking to remain competitive in the East. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Payton Pritchard: The X-Factor
Fresh off winning the Kia Sixth Man of the Year, Payton Pritchard enters his sixth season primed for a larger role — possibly as a full-time starter. The Oregon guard averaged 14.3 points per game last year while shooting an efficient 47.2% from the field.
Now stepping into the starting lineup, Pritchard’s quick-trigger shooting and relentless pace could reshape Boston’s offensive tempo, especially alongside Simons’ dynamic scoring.
Center Rotation: A Question Mark
Replacing Porziņģis, Horford, and Kornet won’t be easy. Boston will rely on Neemias Queta, who impressed at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, alongside newcomers Boucher and Garza. Their rebounding and defensive reliability could determine how well Boston sustains its elite defensive identity.
VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick out of Baylor, had a special debut for the 76ers.
Predictions: Playoff Team or Lottery Surprise?
Analysts remain split on Boston’s outlook. Some, like Grant Hughes (Bleacher Report), predict a downturn — potentially a 37-45 record and a “gap year” while awaiting Tatum’s recovery. Others believe the Celtics’ veteran core and resilient culture could keep them in the playoff mix, citing their 8-2 record without Tatum last season.
If Brown, White, and Simons click, the Celtics could exceed expectations. But if chemistry falters or injuries persist, a midseason pivot toward the 2026 NBA Draft may become tempting.
Fantasy Outlook
According to RotoWire, Boston’s offense will revolve around Jaylen Brown, Anfernee Simons, and Derrick White. Fantasy managers can expect high usage and strong scoring numbers from all three, especially early in the season. Pritchard also remains a valuable late-round steal given his shooting consistency.
Boston Celtics 2025-26 season preview: Will this be a lottery team without Jayson Tatum? - Yahoo Sports
Key Dates
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Preseason Opener: Oct. 8 @ Grizzlies (8 ET, League Pass)
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Regular Season Opener: Oct. 22 vs. 76ers (7:30 ET, League Pass)
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NBA Cup Group Play: Oct. 31 @ 76ers | Nov. 7 @ Magic | Nov. 21 vs. Nets | Nov. 26 vs. Pistons
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MLK Day Game: Jan. 19 @ Pistons (8 ET, NBC & Peacock)
Final Thoughts
The 2025-26 Boston Celtics stand at a crossroads — between resilience and rebuild. While Tatum’s absence looms large, the combination of Jaylen Brown’s leadership, Pritchard’s emergence, and Simons’ scoring spark ensures Boston remains one of the league’s most intriguing teams to watch this season.