Celtics Struggle with 0-3 Start, Facing Tough Decisions Ahead

The Boston Celtics are grappling with a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season, as they find themselves winless after three games, marking their worst beginning since the 2013-14 campaign. That season ended with the Celtics missing the playoffs entirely, a scenario that now looms large as the franchise navigates a similar predicament influenced by both injuries and financial constraints.

One of the key factors impacting the Celtics’ current situation is the injury to star player Jayson Tatum, whose absence has significantly hampered the team’s performance. In addition, the Celtics made the difficult decision to part ways with four pivotal members of their 2024 championship roster: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet. These moves were largely driven by financial considerations, leaving the team in a transitional phase.

Assessing the Future

As the Celtics navigate this challenging start, questions arise about whether they should consider a strategic reset for the season. Unlike in 2013-14, when the team was forced into a complete overhaul, this season presents different circumstances. With Tatum expected to return and a core that still includes players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, the Celtics could still contend for playoff spots in future seasons.

The potential for tanking to secure a high draft pick is a pressing question for the team’s management. Currently, the Celtics could achieve around 40 wins, but that may not provide the long-term benefits necessary for sustained success. The recent changes in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) have made it increasingly advantageous for teams to acquire high-caliber young players on rookie contracts, as seen with the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers.

If the Celtics could secure a top-five pick, they would have the opportunity to add a promising young talent alongside their existing stars. Sports prediction app ProphetX currently places Boston with the third-best lottery odds and indicates a 40 percent chance of missing the playoffs, a stark contrast to pre-season forecasts that suggested they would remain competitive.

Rebounding Concerns and Historical Context

The team’s struggles have been particularly evident in recent games, such as their 119-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 26, 2025. In that match, the Celtics were outrebounded 55-38, following a similar deficit against the New York Knicks, where they were outmatched 53-37. Their current average of 16.7 offensive rebounds allowed per game is the worst in the league, highlighting significant issues on the glass.

Historically, the Celtics have faced challenges when starting a season 0-3. In the nine previous seasons that have seen such a start, the team has missed the playoffs six times. This historical pattern raises the possibility that the Celtics may be best served by considering a strategy that aligns with their long-term goals.

As the season unfolds, the Celtics must determine their path forward. With Tatum’s return on the horizon and a mix of young talent and veterans, the decisions made now could shape the future of the franchise and its pursuit of returning to prominence within the Eastern Conference.