Celtics Rest Starters, Top Reserves for Regular Season Finale

Boston to field preseason-like lineup against Orlando in final game before playoffs

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, and orange, conveying the strategic rest of the Celtics' starters ahead of the playoffs.The Celtics' decision to rest their starters for the final game of the regular season reflects their focus on the playoffs and their confidence in their roster depth.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics have ruled out nearly their entire starting lineup and top reserves for their regular season finale against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. With the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference already secured, the Celtics will rest key players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta, along with top reserves Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic.

Why it matters

The Celtics have already clinched their playoff spot and seeding, so they are taking the opportunity to rest their starters and top rotation players ahead of the postseason. This allows the team to manage injuries and get players healthy, while also giving valuable playing time to bench and two-way players.

The details

The Celtics have listed Tatum, Brown, White, Queta, Sam Hauser, Pritchard, and Vucevic as either out or doubtful for Sunday's game. If those players do not suit up, Boston will have just nine available players, including two-way contract player John Tonje. The Magic, a potential first-round playoff opponent for the Celtics, still have something to play for as they can finish anywhere from sixth to eighth in the East.

  • The Celtics' regular season finale is on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics.

Jaylen Brown

All-Star guard for the Boston Celtics.

Derrick White

Starting guard for the Boston Celtics.

Neemias Queta

Starting center for the Boston Celtics.

Payton Pritchard

Top reserve guard for the Boston Celtics.

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What they’re saying

“With the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference secured, Boston listed nearly its entire rotation as unavailable or doubtful for its matchup with the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.”

— Zack Cox, Author

What’s next

The Celtics will begin their playoff run after resting their starters for the regular season finale. Their first-round opponent will be determined by the results of Sunday's games.

The takeaway

The Celtics are prioritizing rest and recovery for their key players ahead of the playoffs, even at the expense of their regular season finale. This shows the team's confidence in their abilities and their focus on making a deep postseason run.