Kendrick Perkins Calls Celtics 'Most Dangerous' Team in NBA

Former Celtics champion believes Boston is playing with 'house money' this season.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins has declared the Boston Celtics the "most dangerous team in the NBA" this season, despite the team playing without star Jayson Tatum for much of the year due to injury. The Celtics have exceeded expectations, sitting at 34-18 and second in the Eastern Conference, led by an MVP-caliber season from Jaylen Brown.

Why it matters

The Celtics were not expected to be a contender this season with Tatum sidelined, but their strong play has made them a surprise team in the NBA. Perkins' bold proclamation highlights how the Celtics are exceeding expectations and could be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

The details

The Celtics have managed their 34-18 record despite Tatum's absence due to a torn Achilles suffered last year. Jaylen Brown has stepped up with an MVP-level season, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have also rounded into form. The Celtics recently acquired big man Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls, shoring up a weakness. There is also a possibility Tatum could return at some point this season.

  • The Celtics next play the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, February 15, 2026 before the All-Star break.

The players

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA player who won a championship with the Celtics in 2008.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star player who is recovering from a torn Achilles injury.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer this season, playing at an MVP level.

Derrick White

A Celtics player who has rounded into form after a slow start to the season.

Payton Pritchard

A Celtics player who has rounded into form after a slow start to the season.

Nikola Vucevic

The Chicago Bulls big man acquired by the Celtics to shore up a weakness.

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What they’re saying

“The Celtics are the most dangerous team in the NBA. The Celtics are playing with house money.”

— Kendrick Perkins

What’s next

The Celtics will next take the floor on Wednesday, February 15, 2026 for a game against the Chicago Bulls, their final contest before the All-Star break.

The takeaway

The Celtics' strong play this season despite Jayson Tatum's injury has made them a surprise contender in the NBA, with former player Kendrick Perkins declaring them the "most dangerous" team in the league. Their ability to exceed expectations and potentially get Tatum back could make them a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.