Celtics Predicted To Defy Expectations This Season

The Boston Celtics are entering the 2026-27 NBA season with lower expectations after trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the improved competition in the Eastern Conference, ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes the Celtics can still secure a top five or six record in the league. Windhorst noted that head coach Joe Mazzulla and the team will be highly motivated to prove doubters wrong.

Boston's regular-season success will heavily depend on the health of star players Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and Mitchell Robinson. Additionally, the Celtics are hoping for developmental leaps from younger players like Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr., Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, and rookie Chris Cenac Jr. to raise their postseason ceiling.