Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is under fire after a rough outing—going 3‑of‑11 overall and 0‑of‑7 from three—sparking debate over his early‑season slump. Analysts Bobby Manning and Jimmy Toscano dissect whether the shooting dip is a brief blip or a deeper concern, and explore how vital Pritchard’s playmaking is to Boston’s success. The piece weighs the risks to his role and what he must do to regain rhythm.
The Boston Celtics will sit star forward Paul George on Monday’s game against the Houston Rockets, giving him rest on the second night of a back‑to‑back. George, who averages 20.7 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists while playing 31 minutes per game, missed the previous night’s matchup against the Orlando Magic. Coach may start Jordan Walsh – who started the first five games – or bench players Sam Hauser or Baylor Scheierman. The Rockets also deal with injuries, missing Steven Adams and Clint Capela, with Reed Sheppard questionable. Game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Victor Wembanyama and Jayson Tatum are the NBA’s Players of the Week for the Western and Eastern Conferences (Oct. 26–Nov. 1). Wembanyama starred in San Antonio’s 3‑0 run, averaging 36.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2 steals and 4.3 blocks on 56.7% shooting. Tatum powered Boston to a 4‑0 stretch, posting 30.3 points, 7 assists, 5.8 rebounds and a game‑winning overtime buzzer‑beater against the Nets, shooting 44.7% from the floor. Nominees this week included Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo and others.
Jayson Tatum is redefining his role early this season as the Celtics shift to a more off‑ball, unpredictable offense. After a dominant start against the Bulls—nine points in the opening minutes and multiple assisted layups—coach Tiago Splitter notes Boston’s superior off‑screen shooting and Tatum’s iso versatility. DataBallr shows Tatum’s on‑ball usage dropped to 21.4%, his lowest since 2020, while his 47.2% eFG% falls to a career low but his mid‑range shooting hits a career‑best 46.2% on 4.3 attempts per game. Paul George’s playmaking has doubled, feeding Tatum with 10.5 passes per game, and Tatum now averages 31.4 points on 55.9% two‑point shooting, leading the league in free‑throw attempts (10.2 per game). The adjustments are paying off, sparking a four‑game winning streak.
Luka Garza just showed everybody why he shouldn't be considered an afterthought in the Boston Celtics' center room.
A stats‑heavy early‑season showdown suggests Paul George is out‑performing Jaylen Brown after the 76ers‑Celtics trade. Over six games, George posts 21.4 points, 6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals on 46.9% shooting, while Brown averages 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals at 43.6% (37.5% from three). Boston sits 5‑1, Philly 6‑1, but Brown’s lower usage (25% vs. George’s 29%) and defensive impact complicate the comparison. The article argues the trade’s verdict remains nuanced as the season unfolds.
After a 109-93 loss to the Houston Rockets, Boston fans question the future of Mitchell Robinson. The former Knicks big man, who signed a three‑year, $47.4 million deal, is averaging just 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in nearly 20 minutes per game. He posted 4 points and 4 rebounds in 15 minutes against Houston, prompting analysts Bobby Manning, John Zannis and Jimmy Toscano to debate whether the Celtics should re‑evaluate his role, especially with backup centers Neemias Queta and Luka Garza seeing solid minutes.
The post reflects on Orlando Magic’s upcoming home game against the Boston Celtics, noting Boston’s reliance on three‑point shooting (21.1% from deep in recent games) and strong defense, while the Magic struggle with consistency, injuries to two starters and a poor 3‑point rate (27% in the last win). The writer criticizes Celtics fans crowding the arena, mentions key Magic players like Vuc, Garza, Cenac and Pritchard, and doubts Orlando can win two straight games, though they remain optimistic about a possible upset if the Magic improve their shooting and ball security.
The Boston Celtics are finally solving their dreaded non-Tatum minutes. Here is how a revamped bench rotation is keeping Jayson Tatum fresh.
Jayson Tatum pours in 32 points, including 15 of 17 free throws, as the Boston Celtics defeat the Orlando Magic 108-97 for their fifth straight win. Paul George adds 17 points, scoring 10 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Orlando battles back from a 15‑point hole, highlighted by Tristan da Silva’s 23‑point, 10‑rebound effort and Anthony Black’s 23 points and two steals, but falls to 2-4 overall. The Magic, still winless at home, try to snap the streak against the Washington Wizards on Monday, Nov. 2.
The Celtics claim their first road win of the season, beating the Orlando Magic 108-97 on Nov. 1 to stretch a five‑game streak. Jayson Tatum leads with 32 points, 7 assists and a career‑high 17 free‑throw attempts, cementing his two‑way impact and MVP chatter. Paul George adds clutch shooting in the fourth quarter, while a new starter, Hugo González, logs 7 points and key offensive rebounds in 14 minutes. The Magic erased a 15‑point deficit in the third before Boston rallied, highlighting the Celtics' resilience and depth heading into November.
The Bulls’ 32‑point first‑half collapse in Boston sparked a call for lineup changes. Coach Tiago Splitter’s post‑game locker‑room notes blame a defensive “train wreck” involving Josh Giddy, Matas Buzelis and rookie Caleb Wilson, while praising Wilson’s improved effort. The analysis argues Giddy’s limited impact and suggests benching him for Tre Jones, who offers better defense and ball security. Development remains a priority for Wilson and Buzelis, with veteran trade value a secondary focus. A potential tweak may arrive next game as Nic Claxton joins practice, but the author cautions against reactionary moves.
Breaking Down Some Of The Boston Celtics’ Early Offensive Actions
Former Celtics guard Evan Turner refutes rumors of a feud between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, stating the duo always respected each other during his tenure with Boston. Turner’s comments suggest the alleged friendship split is unfounded.
Coach Joe Mazzulla seized a fourth‑quarter leadership test on Nov. 1 against the Orlando Magic, keeping a non‑Jayson Tatum lineup on the floor. Luka Garza replaced Neemias Queta early, joining Paul George, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White and Baylor Scheierman. In under four minutes they forced three turnovers, outscored Orlando 8‑3 and stretched the lead to 85‑79, contributing to Boston’s 108‑97 win. Garza logged a season‑high 21 minutes, 12 points and a key three‑pointer. The Celtics, despite shooting just 27.3% from three versus Magic’s 35.9%, relied on depth and defensive intensity to snap a five‑game winning streak early in the season. The article examines how Mazzulla’s trust in role players signals Boston’s early‑season depth and cohesion.
Jayson Tatum told Chris Mannix in 2024 that he regretted not being more publicly vocal in support of Jaylen Brown during trade discussions involving the Boston Celtics.
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Paul George said winning an NBA championship is his only priority in his 17th season after the Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic 108-97 on Sunday, November 1.
The post Paul George makes championship goal clear: “It’s all I care about” appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Boston Celtics dethroned the Orlando Magic 108-97 to obtain their fifth straight victory on Sunday.
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The Rockets host the Celtics on Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. CT, offering Houston its first schedule‑advantage game (Rockets 6‑1, Celtics 5‑1). Boston, now led by Paul George after trading Jaylen Brown, must contend with a Rockets defense that tops the league, while Houston aims to curb Jayson Tatum, George and Derrick White. Key injuries: Steven Adams (out), Clint Capela (questionable) for Houston; Mitchell Robinson (questionable) and Devin Carter (out) for Boston. The line favors Houston at -5.5. A win could signal how both 6‑1 teams settle after exceeding low preseason expectations.
Jayson Tatum was reportedly upset with himself for not being publicly vocal about backing Jaylen Brown amid trade rumors over the years.
Jayson Tatum becomes the first Celtics player since Paul Pierce in 2008 to attempt at least 54 free throws in a four‑game stretch, signaling a historic start to the 2026‑27 season. In the latest game on Nov. 1, Tatum poured in 32 points, 7 assists and 15 of 17 free throws to lead Boston to a 108‑97 win over the Orlando Magic, its fifth straight victory. Pierce praised the squad’s competitiveness and the open Eastern Conference. Tatum’s ability to draw contact and dominate the line adds a new offensive dimension as the Celtics chase a playoff push.
The Celtics (5-1) head to Houston on Nov. 2 for Game #7, seeking a sixth straight win in their first road back‑to‑back. Boston will likely start Derrick White, Hugo González, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson, while Houston is expected to roll out Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün. Key matchups feature George vs. Durant (Durant averages 22.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists) and Robinson vs. Şengün (22.8 points, 9.0 rebounds). Injuries: Celtics forward Devin Carter out with mononucleosis; Rockets big man Steven Adams out (calf) and Clint Capela questionable (ankle). The Rockets sit 6‑1 after wins at home and on the road, making this a tough early‑season test for Boston.
In his rookie Celtics season, veteran Paul George embraces the role of supporting Jayson Tatum, especially during fourth‑quarter stretches when Tatum rests. After Boston’s 108‑97 win at Orlando, George chipped in 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists, highlighting his focus on “non‑Tatum minutes.” He praised Tatum’s all‑around play and said his own effort aims to ease the star’s workload. Tatum averages 27.6 points this year, while George ranks second on the team with 21.4 points per game, underscoring his growing importance.
The Boston Celtics didn't blow the Orlando Magic out, but that was definitely the best display of Mazzulla Ball we've seen to start. It seems telling that they did this without Mitchell Robinson.
Jayson Tatum fuels the Celtics’ 108‑97 win over the Orlando Magic with 32 points, 7 assists and a wild 15‑of‑17 free‑throw performance. Despite shooting just 8‑of‑19 from the field, his aggression at the rim and poise at the line earn coach Joe Mazzulla praise for creating separation and changing pace below the stripe. The Celtics improve to 5‑1 early in the 2026‑27 season, countering criticism of over‑reliance on three‑point shooting by attacking the paint. Mazzulla highlights Tatum’s composure and relentless effort as key to Boston’s success.