All articles tagged with #celtics
An opinion piece argues that the NBA's brutal schedule—back-to-backs, three games in four nights, and heavy travel—undermined a marquee Celtics-Nuggets matchup and players' legs, urging a shorter, better-distributed season to improve competitiveness and the fan experience.
The Lakers were routed by Boston at home, receiving blunt, failing grades across the roster with LeBron and other stars underwhelming; Austin Reaves offered a modest bright spot, but the overall effort was criticized as a disappointing display and a reminder of the gap the Celtics showed on this night.
Boston erased a 21-point halftime deficit to edge the Heat 98-96 as Nikola Vucevic debuted and reshaped the center rotation, moving away from double-big lineups to a one-center look with shooters; Garza's minutes dried up while Queta remained in the mix, signaling Vucevic's growing role and ongoing rotation tinkering ahead of the playoffs.
Boston reshaped its roster at the trade deadline by sending Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Bulls for Nikola Vucevic and a pick, and also trading Chris Boucher, Josh Minott and Xavier Tillman. The moves put Boston below the luxury tax and created two open spots, with one likely filled by a ball-handler (Ron Harper Jr. is a highlighted candidate) and the other via the buyout market. Brad Stevens stressed balancing immediate competitiveness with future flexibility, while Jayson Tatum’s return from Achilles rehab remains not imminent and will be a group decision once he’s fully cleared and ready.
The Jazz acquire Chris Boucher from the Celtics on a one-year minimum-salary deal and add Denver’s 2027 second-round pick; Boston trims costs and sits just above the luxury tax, while Utah must clear a roster spot (likely by waiving Lonzo Ball), with Boucher’s fit remaining uncertain.
Despite missing Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser, Boston still routed Houston 114-93 in Houston as Ime Udoka’s Rockets were outcoached and outworked; Houston started slow (17 first-quarter points), were outrebounded 57-38, and both Udoka (end of third) and Alperen Sengun (fourth) were ejected as Boston pulled away with a 36-21 third quarter. Houston heads home to face Charlotte next, while Boston rides a four-game win streak into Miami.
Boston’s Simons-for-Vucevic swap frees cap space and lifts them off the first apron, opening the door to buyout-signings or end-of-rotation moves. Forsberg envisions a Kris Dunn–type veteran guard to bolster the backcourt behind Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, with Mike Conley floated as a possible add; an update notes Conley’s trade to the Hornets in a separate three-team deal.
Boston ships Anfernee Simons to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic, prompting Payton Pritchard to reflect on the emotional side of player turnover and the bonds built with teammates, as the Celtics navigate ongoing roster changes while trying to maintain on-court success.
Boston acquired Nikola Vucevic from Chicago for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, and also received a 2027 Nuggets second-rounder. Chicago lands a favorable second-round pick from this year’s draft. The veteran center addresses Boston’s need in the post-Porzingis era, while Simons contributed 14.2 PPG before the swap; both players are on expiring contracts. The deal also drops Boston’s luxury-tax bill and moves them off the first apron, reducing tax from about $39.5M to $17M.
Boston acquired Nikola Vučević from Chicago in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, per Shams Charania. Vučević (16.9 PPG, 9 RPG) should bolster Boston’s frontcourt and floor spacing as the team pursues an Eastern title, while Simons (14.2 PPG, 2.4 APG off the bench) heads to Chicago and is in the final year of his four-year, $100M contract, seeking a larger role.
The Pistons beat the Celtics to extend their East lead and don’t appear to need a big trade, but they must plan for a likely return of Jayson Tatum, which would make Boston a tougher playoff opponent and could spark a move to add size to counter him and Brown at the deadline.
The Boston Celtics overcame a slow start to beat the Orlando Magic 111-107, with key contributions from unlikely heroes like Payton Pritchard, Luka Garza, and Jordan Walsh, highlighting strong bench performance and individual standout moments in a crucial road victory.
The Boston Celtics showcased their resilience and strategic adaptability in a comeback victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, emphasizing their defensive strength and mental toughness, especially through key performances by Xavier Tillman and strategic game management by coach Joe Mazzulla.
The Sixers narrowly lost their NBA Cup opener to the Celtics 109-108, with Joel Embiid missing a buzzer-beater. The game highlighted offensive struggles, especially early on, but Embiid showed signs of physical progress. Defensive issues, particularly transition defense and rebounding, persisted. Tyrese Maxey played well overall, while rookie VJ Edgecombe made a strong impact, and Kelly Oubre continued to impress on both ends. The team demonstrated resilience but needs to improve consistency and execution.
The Boston Celtics secured their first home win of the season with a 125-105 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighted by Jaylen Brown’s strong second-quarter performance, improved rebounding, and strategic lineup adjustments by coach Joe Mazzulla, including a promising start for Josh Minott.