The Boston Celtics have established themselves as a powerhouse within the Eastern Conference over recent years, yet significant changes this offseason may challenge their dominance. Having finished in the top two for four consecutive seasons, including two Finals appearances and one championship win, the Celtics now face tough odds. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to injury and a transformative offseason underway, can the Celtics regroup and maintain their elite status, or could this be the year they miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014?
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
Offseason Analysis for the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics anticipated a challenging offseason. Faced with impending luxury tax implications and an aging roster, they found themselves constrained, particularly as Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury made reevaluating their core more palatable. While Tatum might return late in the season, the Celtics’ championship aspirations appear dim without his presence on the court.
On July 7th, the Celtics executed trades involving Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Both were key starters but showed signs of decline. Holiday was sent to the Trail Blazers in an exchange for Anfernee Simons, a move that may perplex Portland but is a solid acquisition for Boston. Despite his age, Holiday remains one of the NBA’s premier defenders and had begun to elevate his offensive game towards the end of his time in Boston. Porzingis, meanwhile, was traded to Atlanta for minimal return, as his inconsistent performance and injury history hindered his effectiveness in Boston. Additionally, the Celtics are now without Al Horford, leaving their frontcourt significantly weakened.
Despite these roster changes, the Celtics welcomed new talent, prominently Anfernee Simons. A dependable scorer, Simons averaged 20 points and appeared in a career-high 70 games last season. His health will be crucial for Boston’s playoff ambitions. However, the team’s frontcourt remains a significant concern, with Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta expected to start, alongside Chris Boucher as a key bench player. While Boucher offers depth, his inability to secure substantial minutes on a struggling Raptors team raises questions about his impact in Boston.
Expectations for the Boston Celtics Season
Expectations in Boston are understandably low. With two starters from last season now gone and Tatum unlikely to play until late in the season, the Celtics are focusing on their long-term future while gearing up for a potential title run in the 2026-27 season. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White remain, but the roster’s lack of size raises doubts about their competitiveness. The core group of Brown, White, Payton Pritchard, and Simons—none over 6’5″—challenges their viability. Brown has proven he can be a leader, while White and Pritchard serve as effective scorers. This team likely won’t be eliminated from playoffs early, yet they may struggle to breach the play-in tournament, especially with multiple top scorers missing. Replacing the production of their injured players will be a daunting task, and the Celtics haven’t taken sufficient steps to fill the gaps in talent.
Schedule Insights for the Boston Celtics
The Celtics kick off their season with four road games out of six, only returning home to face the 76ers and Cavaliers. A sluggish start could severely dent their championship hopes. The NBA Cup presents further challenges, pitting them against tough teams like the Magic, Pistons, 76ers, and Nets, making it imperative to win three or four games to advance, especially with Tatum unavailable. The most extended road stretch involves five games from Boxing Day to January 3rd, where matchups against the Trail Blazers, Jazz, and Kings will offer potential victories.
Boston Celtics Betting Odds
Last season, the Celtics entered the campaign as title favorites, fresh from their first championship in 15 years. Fast forward, and the narrative has drastically changed. The win total for the Celtics stands at 41.5, suggesting they will be an average team in the Eastern Conference. They’ve achieved over 50 wins for four consecutive years, but this season they sit at +580 odds to repeat that success. Despite a lack of formidable competition in the East, the Celtics hold -180 odds to make the playoffs, balanced with +110 odds to enter the play-in tournament. In the NBA Cup, they are fourth among group contenders at +390, trailing behind the Magic (+210), Pistons (+270), and 76ers (+280). For the NBA championship, their odds sit at +4500, with +1600 to win the East.
Predictions and Best Bets for the 2025-26 Boston Celtics Season
Celtics fans have enjoyed a strong run recently, but challenges loom this season. While Boston is favored at -180 to make the playoffs, I remain skeptical of their prospects in the early part of the year. The front office may feel pressured to make mid-season trades, but, as evidenced by the 76ers last year, sudden declines can happen. I predict a 37-45 record, narrowly making the play-in tournament (+110 odds). Assuming Tatum returns in time for the playoffs, they could still advance. The +130 odds on missing the playoffs don’t offer enough value, so my primary recommendation is to bet on under 41.5 wins. Despite the league’s focus on three-pointers, the lack of size in their frontcourt with Hauser, Queta, and Boucher won’t hold up against stronger teams. It won’t be surprising if Boston misses the play-in tournament. In the current NBA betting landscape, it’s wise to back their under, and consider pairing it with other future bets for better bankroll management.
Top Pick: Boston Celtics Under 41.5 Wins -105
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
