The Boston Celtics kick off the 2026-27 season on Tuesday afternoon (3 p.m. ET) in Detroit against the Pistons. The Celtics, coming off a 56-26 regular season last year, are looking to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2023-24 and if they're going to do it, they'll have to do it without Jaylen Brown, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.
We've already outlined three of our biggest questions for this team this year, but let's take a look at one bold-ish prediction for the new season.
Boston will lead the league in 3-pointers attempted
Look, I don't think this is all that bold considering the Celtics finished fourth in the league in this same category a season ago (42.1 per game), but I think they are destined to finish first this year.
Without Brown, Boston will look different. At this point in his career, Paul George is not a true slasher to the lane. He's someone who will settle for jumpshots more often than drive, and with Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez, this team is just built for the 3-point line.
Boston attempted 54 three-pointers in its final preseason game, and though that was a game with mostly backups, it was indicative of what's coming for this team.
And with Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta in the fold in the post, Boston has two elite rebounders. That means the group will get more possessions and more second-chance shots, which will lead to more 3's.
Are we happy about this?
To be honest? Not really. While I understand the analytical value in the three-point shot and the fun associated with it, I'd rather see this team be more balanced and utilize it's post players more to score. In addition to the post, I'd rather see some more slashing and dribble penetration. I feel like the Celtics will get in the lane, but it will be with the express purpose of getting the ball back to the perimeter as quickly as possible.
We saw what happened last season in the playoffs when the Celtics went cold from the perimeter and my fear is that that can happen again.
Information about Tuesday
The Celtics and Pistons will play at 3 p.m. and the game will air on Peacock. It's a day game to help set up a full day of Opening Night viewing.