The Boston Celtics are one of several teams in the East with the potential to be contenders this season. Last year, they finished with a 56-26 record, playing the majority of the season without Jayson Tatum. He was, however, back for the playoffs, and the Celtics were a team to beat in the East. Unfortunately, the Celtics fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of last year’s playoffs. This was when the front office decided they needed to make changes.

Shockingly, one of those changes involved the 76ers. The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George, which nobody expected. The Celtics and 76ers have a history over the past decade, and for Brown to be traded there after just losing to them was a huge surprise.

They also signed Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley in free agency. In recent years, their trades and signings were influenced by the financial restrictions of the NBA. Boston is one of the few teams that seem a step ahead, always looking to be one move early rather than late.

This season, they have their superstar in Tatum and a great supporting cast around him. Whether or not a team can win a championship without a clear No. 2 option is unclear. Regardless, they are in for a competitive season, so here are five bold predictions for the Celtics this season.

Boston Celtics will win the Eastern Conference

For the first time in a long time, the Eastern Conference is considered better than the Western Conference. Many of the moves that took place this offseason benefited the East. That means this year will be ultra-competitive. It also means that there is no clear favorite to come out on top. The reigning champion New York Knicks were just the three seed last season, so while seeding doesn’t determine everything, it is a good measurement for team success.

Boston has a great system and a deep roster. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla has run a tight ship ever since taking over in 2022. They have a center rotation of Neemias Queta and Robinson that should give other frontcourts nightmares. Their perimeter defense between Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, and Hugo Gonzalez is terrific. This team has the recipe to win 55+ games and come out on top of the East.

Jayson Tatum Averages 30+ Points, Finishes Top 3 In MVP Voting

After coming back earlier than expected last season, Tatum seemed to be a step behind. He played in just 16 games, averaging 21.8 points a night on 41% shooting. From 2019-2025, Tatum hasn’t had a season with fewer than 23 points, and he’s always shared the court with Brown.

There are no questions about whether he is the better player or not. He has the keys to the franchise, and he will be the go-to guy every single night. He has proven to be an elite player and has averaged 30+ points just once back in the 2023 season. With a new-look team, he is due for a big year. If everything goes right, Tatum could be favored as an MVP candidate as well as a 30-point-per-game scorer.

Payton Pritchard Averages 20+ Points, 7+ Assists

Due to the changes in the roster, somebody is going to have to step up. Although Payton Pritchard may come off the bench, he is due for a big scoring year, given the fact that the Celtics will need another offensive threat. Last season, Pritchard averaged 17 points and 5.2 assists. This year could feature a big jump.

His ability to score on all three levels is amazing, so a three-point increase wouldn’t be shocking. His averaging seven assists would be the difficult part. The addition of Conley has given Pritchard an elite mentor, who can help expand his game on many levels. The 6-foot-1 guard is in for a breakout season.

Hugo Gonzalez Makes An All-Defensive Team

A few seasons ago, Derrick White was the Celtics’ best perimeter defender and was named to an All-Defensive team. White is now in a different stage of his career, and the Celtics will need someone to step up. Given their high praise for Hugo Gonzalez, he will likely be that guy.

The Celtics refused to include Gonzalez in any type of trade this offseason, and for good reason. The 20-year-old had a historic rookie season last year and prides himself on defense. He has the perfect frame to guard 1-4, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 200 pounds. Gonzalez is physical, has a high IQ, and benefited from playing professionally in Spain as a teenager. Being named to an All-Defensive team is not easy to do, but Gonzalez is certainly capable given his presumed increased role.

Celtics Lead NBA In Blocks Per Game

Last season, the Celtics fell in the middle of the pack with 5 blocks per game, while the Detroit Pistons led the league with 6.4 a night. This year, however, things may look different. With the addition of Robinson, they certainly will average more, but it doesn’t stop there.

White has been known as one of the greatest shot-blocking guards of all time, so he will have a big contribution. The fate of this prediction lies in the wings, mostly Walsh, Gonzalez, and Tatum. All of these players are exceptional defenders, but that doesn’t always translate to counting stats. Things would have to go right for Boston to do this, but they certainly have the roster for it.