Celtics 2025-2026 Record Prediction

   With the Celtics 2025-2026 schedule being released, it's time to analyze how far they can go. The previous two regular seasons were highly successful, winning over 60 games and being a top two seed in the conference, but following the disappointing second round loss to the New York Knicks, along with the Jayson Tatum suffering an Achilles tear, the Celtics have experienced a major roster shakeup that will drastically change things this season. 
                                                                                                                                                        With Jayson Tatum likely out for the season, we aren't looking at a 60 win team, but with the big addition of Anfernee Simons, as well as players like Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Derrick white all having elevated roles, they could fill some of the gaps and help to keep the team afloat.

The biggest concern heading into the season is the team's defense. The biggest deficiency will be the center position, as the Celtics will have Chris Boucher and Neemias Queta competing for the starting spot, neither of which have ever been in this role consistently before. 
The perimeter defense will also be a huge question mark with Jrue Holiday being traded, leaving Derrick White as the teams best perimeter defender. Jaylen Brown has proven to be a capable defender, being switchable on the perimeter and picking players up full court i.e Luka Doncic, but he has never been all defense caliber, and that will hinder the Celtics as he will be the teams 2nd best defender.
A young player like Jordan Walsh could make a role for himself as he has shown defensive capabilities in limited playing time, but that still remains to be seen. As for the offense as a whole, the three point shooting is the team's core identity, and the team still has some very capable shooters, but the on ball creation and playmaking that began with Jayson Tatum will no longer be there, and Jaylen Brown has struggled with turnovers and frantic play when he is the lead option. Anfernee Simons will help space the floor and provide a nice scoring threat, but the lack of consistent playmaking could lead to the offense devolving into the dreaded isolation offense that has hurt the team in the past. 
This is a roster that is in retooling mode while trying to get under the luxury tax and apron thresholds, and the record will reflect that. My prediction is a 40-42 season as the 11th seed in the East, just missing out on the play in tournament. The team still has talent and will put together some nice moments and potentially some fun winning streaks, but the offseason changes are too drastic to overcome this season.