41-41. 38-44. 37-45.
These are just some of the records media outlets predicted for the Celtics ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Now through 24 games this year, Boston sits at 15-9, good for third in the Eastern Conference and ninth in the entire NBA.
For the whole season, ESPN predicts they will finish with a 49-33 record, with a 93% chance to make the postseason.
The 2025-26 Boston Celtics were underestimated. The major shakeup to their roster in the postseason and offseason called for, and perhaps rightfully so, discussions of them being a lottery team.
It’s clear the opposite has been true. Barring any more significant injuries, Beantown will not be intentionally or unintentionally tanking. They will not find themselves with a top-14 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.