Celtics Thrive as Underdog in the East Without Tatum

Boston's young roster steps up to keep team in playoff contention despite key injuries

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:44am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Celtics basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.The Celtics' young roster has stepped up to keep the team in playoff contention despite key injuries, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics have defied expectations this NBA season, thriving without star forward Jayson Tatum and other key players. Led by Jaylen Brown's career year and a resilient young supporting cast, the Celtics are tied for second in the Eastern Conference standings despite a rocky 0-3 start and major roster turnover. Coach Joe Mazzulla has instilled an underdog mentality focused on defense, rebounding, and daily improvement that has resonated with the team.

Why it matters

The Celtics' success without Tatum has been a surprise to many around the NBA, as the team was widely expected to take a step back this season. Their ability to remain a top contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference has sparked debate about whether they can maintain this momentum, especially if Tatum returns later in the year.

The details

After losing Tatum to a torn Achilles, as well as other key players like Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics have thrived with a roster of young, adaptable players. Derrick White has taken his game to new heights, Payton Pritchard has emerged as a vital starting point guard, and Jaylen Brown is having a career year, averaging 29.4 points per game and sparking MVP discussions. Rookies like Amari Williams and Hugo Gonzalez have also stepped up in clutch moments, showcasing the team's next-man-up mentality.

  • On January 9, the Celtics won their 14th game in 18 contests.
  • The Celtics started the season 0-3 before turning things around.

The players

Jayson Tatum

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

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer this season, averaging 29.4 points per game and sparking MVP discussions.

Payton Pritchard

A former Celtics player who has emerged as a vital starting point guard this season.

Derrick White

A former Division II player turned first-round pick who has taken his game to new heights since joining the Celtics in 2022.

Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics' head coach who has instilled an underdog mentality focused on defense, rebounding, and daily improvement.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not surprised at all.”

— Payton Pritchard, Celtics player

“I think we play better when our back is against the wall.”

— Jaylen Brown

What’s next

If Tatum returns this season, even at 75% of his peak, the Celtics could reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference, a tantalizing possibility that has fans and analysts buzzing.

The takeaway

The Celtics' success without Tatum has been a surprise to many around the NBA, as the team was widely expected to take a step back this season. Their ability to remain a top contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference has sparked debate about whether they can maintain this momentum, especially if Tatum returns later in the year.