Eastern Conference Roundup: Simons Sparks Celtics, Pistons Exercise Rookie Options, Sixers Win Short-Handed
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BOSTON — Guard Anfernee Simons erupted for 25 points off the bench Tuesday night as the Celtics defeated the Pelicans, matching a season high with six three-pointers in 32 minutes. The performance was his most productive since arriving from Portland last summer.
“It’s definitely been a transition, but I’ve enjoyed it,” Simons said after the game. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the veteran’s approach, calling him “a graceful guy” who only wants to win.
Forward Josh Minott made his first NBA start and contributed 15 points and nine rebounds; Boston outscored New Orleans by 42 while he was on the floor. Jaylen Brown, playing through a sore hamstring, added 15 points and seven boards in 24 minutes.
Pistons
Detroit picked up 2026-27 rookie-scale options on Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland and Marcus Sasser, according to the NBA’s transaction log.
Thompson, selected fifth overall in 2023, posted 21 points, 12 rebounds and two steals Sunday against Boston and is averaging 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds through four games. Holland, last year’s No. 5 pick, is averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals. Sasser has yet to appear this season while recovering from a right hip impingement after averaging 6.6 points as a rookie.
76ers
Philadelphia stayed unbeaten by handling Orlando despite resting Joel Embiid (knee management) and missing Dominick Barlow (elbow). Head coach Nick Nurse used new faces to fill the rotation, starting forward Jabari Walker and giving guards Eric Gordon and Hunter Sallis their first minutes of the year.
“No matter who’s out there, we have a constant we won’t waver from,” Kelly Oubre Jr. said, noting the team’s improved depth compared with last season’s injury-marred campaign.
Source: Hoops Wire
