The 2025-26 Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations so far this season, placing fourth in the Eastern Conference as of Wednesday evening with a 15-11 record.
A reworked Boston roster playing without Jayson Tatum remains competitive in a wide-open East, offering hope that what once was envisioned as a “bridge year” could give away to another playoff run — especially if Tatum returns to the hardwood this spring.
Of course, even a Celtics team bolstered by the return of Tatum and other lineup stars like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White still has plenty of flaws, especially when it comes to the lack of depth within the team’s frontcourt.