Boston’s roster overhaul and the prolonged absence of All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum have not derailed the franchise’s winning rhythm. At 30-18, the Celtics reach February tied for second place in the Eastern Conference and sit No. 2 in both offensive rating and net rating while ranking 12th defensively, mirroring results from previous, far more veteran lineups.
Rapid turnaround after summer exits
Four rotation mainstays—Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet—departed in the offseason, and Tatum has been sidelined since tearing an Achilles tendon during last spring’s playoffs. Even so, Boston is on pace for a fifth consecutive 50-win campaign and remains in striking distance of the conference-leading Detroit Pistons.
“The fact they’re missing Tatum and haven’t slipped is unbelievable,” a Western Conference front-office executive told ESPN.
Mazzulla’s process focus
Head coach Joe Mazzulla credits daily detail work—defense, rebounding and situational execution—for the surge that followed an 8-8 opening month. His message has resonated with a group now embracing an underdog identity.
Guard Payton Pritchard, promoted to starting point guard after Holiday’s trade to Portland, said he never doubted the roster’s potential. “I’m not surprised,” he told reporters following a Jan. 9 win over Toronto that capped a 14-4 stretch.
Brown’s MVP-level leap
With Tatum out, Jaylen Brown has taken over as the primary scorer, averaging a career-best 29.4 points—fourth highest in the league—while keeping efficient shooting numbers. The performance secured his fifth All-Star selection and first as a starter. Brown acknowledged the new defensive attention but said he is learning “on the fly” to read double-teams and trust teammates.
Youthful depth filling gaps
Mazzulla has already used 11 players for at least 30 games and double-digit minutes. Second-year center Neemias Queta, starting 43 times, provides 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per night. Rookie forward Hugo Gonzalez and 2023 draftee Jordan Walsh supply wing energy, while two-way center Amari Williams delivered a key late-game pass during a double-overtime win in Brooklyn on Jan. 23.
Wide-open conference picture
Injuries to Tatum and Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton, plus inconsistent stretches from preseason favorites New York and Cleveland, have left the East without a clear frontrunner. Detroit leads but has never won a playoff series with its current core, while Philadelphia’s hopes hinge on the health of Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Possible postseason boost
Tatum underwent surgery the same night he was injured and, according to the team, could return later this season, although he told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne he has not decided on a timeline. Even a partial-strength version of the four-time first-team All-NBA forward would bolster a frontcourt that currently relies on Queta and small-ball lineups.
Until then, Boston’s reshaped roster intends to keep defying the preseason narrative. “We play better when our backs are against the wall,” Brown said after the latest victory. The Celtics have supplied ample proof.
Source: ESPN
