- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Boston Celtics concluded their 2026-27 preseason schedule with encouraging signs on both ends of the floor.
Jayson Tatum made a successful return from a torn Achilles, averaging 21.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals across two contests. He shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range in 28 minutes per game. Tatum attempted only one free throw in those appearances, an area Boston will want him to address.
The Celtics dominated the glass, posting a 38.2 percent offensive rebounding rate over four games to lead all teams in the preseason. Luka Garza paced Boston in that category, while Mitchell Robinson ranked second on the squad despite his reputation as the NBA's best offensive rebounder. Robinson shared the court with Neemias Queta during the Hornets matchup.
Boston's starters stifled opponents defensively. Charlotte managed an 89.4 offensive rating and committed 29 turnovers for a 28.8 percent turnover rate. Philadelphia posted a 95.5 offensive rating with a 20.9 percent turnover percentage, as Paul George recorded five steals.
Payton Pritchard impressed with 25 points and six assists in the opener, followed by 19 points and 11 assists in game two. Hugo Gonzalez capped the preseason with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists against Philadelphia, finishing at 63 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range across four games.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).