As the Boston Celtics prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, their 80th in the league, fans are bracing for a roster that looks significantly different from the championship-caliber teams of recent years. After a flurry of offseason moves aimed at trimming payroll to get under the second apron of the luxury tax, the Celtics have undergone a major overhaul. The absence of superstar Jayson Tatum, sidelined indefinitely with a ruptured Achilles tendon, looms large, leaving fans and analysts speculating about who will take the court as the starting five when the season tips off. Here’s a look at the projected starting lineup and the key storylines shaping Boston’s new era.
Projected Starting Lineup
Based on recent reports and insider projections, the Celtics’ starting lineup could feature:
Point Guard: Payton Pritchard
Shooting Guard: Derrick White
Small Forward: Jaylen Brown
Power Forward: Sam Hauser
Center: Neemias Queta
This lineup, suggested by insiders like Chris Forsberg of Sports Illustrated, reflects a blend of established stars, rising role players, and new faces stepping into larger roles due to roster changes and Tatum’s injury.
The Cornerstones: Brown and White
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are the undeniable anchors of this revamped Celtics squad. Brown, the 2023-24 Finals MVP, steps into the spotlight as the team’s primary option at age 28. Despite undergoing offseason knee surgery after battling injuries last season, Brown is poised to embrace his role as the top dog—a position he’s long sought. His leadership will be critical for a team no longer considered a championship favorite, with oddsmakers projecting around 42 wins, which would have placed them seventh in the Eastern Conference last season.
Derrick White, fresh off breaking the Celtics’ single-season 3-point record, remains one of the NBA’s premier two-way guards. Known for his clutch play and versatility, White is expected to take on even greater responsibilities with a thinner supporting cast. If he starts the season hot, an All-Star bid isn’t out of the question, cementing his status as a fan favorite and a vital piece of Boston’s core.
The Guard Debate: Pritchard vs. Simons
The guard rotation presents one of the biggest questions for head coach Joe Mazzulla. Payton Pritchard, coming off a career-best season as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, is a strong candidate to start at point guard. His growth as a lethal shooter and playmaker makes him a natural fit, but the acquisition of Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers complicates the picture. Simons, a proven scorer with a $27.7 million expiring contract, brings offensive firepower but raises concerns about defensive fit alongside the smaller Pritchard. With Boston exploring trade options for Simons, it’s uncertain whether he’ll be in the starting lineup or come off the bench—or even remain on the roster by opening night. For now, insiders lean toward Pritchard starting, with Simons potentially serving as a high-impact sixth man.
Filling the Frontcourt Void
The departure of key big men Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and likely Al Horford has left Boston’s frontcourt thin. Neemias Queta, a 26-year-old center entering his third season with the Celtics, is projected to start by default. Queta has shown flashes of strong rim protection and rebounding in limited minutes, averaging 5.2 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 64.8% from the field in 90 games. However, his traditional, non-shooting style at center will require adjustments for a team accustomed to the floor-spacing of Porzingis and Horford.
At power forward, Sam Hauser emerges as a surprising but logical choice. The sharpshooting forward, one of the league’s best 3-point shooters, offers spacing and familiarity with Boston’s system. However, his defensive limitations against bigger power forwards could be a liability, and some analysts suggest Luka Garza’s 3-point shooting might push him into the starting role later in the season. New additions like Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman, along with young prospects like Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez, will compete for rotation minutes, but Hauser’s shooting gives him the edge for now.
A Season of Development
With Tatum out and the roster no longer overflowing with talent, the 2025-26 season shapes up as a year of development for Boston’s younger players and a test of Mazzulla’s coaching adaptability. The Celtics’ championship window may have narrowed, but players like Brown, White, and Pritchard provide a foundation to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. Emerging talents like Scheierman, a 2024 first-round pick, and Jordan Walsh could seize opportunities to prove themselves, while veterans like Tillman and Boucher add depth.
The Celtics’ front office, led by Brad Stevens, faces pressure to navigate the luxury tax while building a roster capable of securing a top-6 seed in the East. Trading Simons or shedding additional salary could open roster spots for low-risk prospects, but for now, the focus is on integrating new faces and adapting to life without Tatum.
Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, roughly a month away, the Celtics’ starting lineup remains fluid. Mazzulla’s emphasis on flexibility means the opening-night lineup may not last the entire 82-game season. Fans can expect a mix of experimentation as Boston balances development with competitiveness. While the days of dominating the league with a star-studded roster may be on pause, the Celtics’ rich history and resilient core suggest they won’t go quietly. Keep an eye on Brown’s leadership, White’s two-way brilliance, and the battle for guard and frontcourt minutes as Boston embarks on a new chapter in its storied legacy.
