Honestly, if you took a look at the Boston Celtics starting lineup back in 2024 and compared it to what Joe Mazzulla is rolling with right now in January 2026, you’d probably think you were looking at a different franchise. The "Green Team" isn't just different; it’s unrecognizable.
The days of relying on the predictable "Big Five" of Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, Holiday, and White are long gone. Between Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury in May 2025 and the brutal reality of the NBA's second apron luxury tax, Brad Stevens had to get creative. Like, "trading away fan favorites and signing guys from the G-League" creative.
And yet? The Celtics are sitting comfortably at 26-15, second in the East. It makes no sense. Or maybe it makes perfect sense because Joe Mazzulla has basically turned the rotation into a chaotic, nightly experiment that teams can't figure out.
The Current Starting Five (Wait, Who?)
As of mid-January 2026, the Boston Celtics starting lineup usually features:
- Payton Pritchard (PG)
- Derrick White (SG)
- Jaylen Brown (SF)
- Sam Hauser (PF)
- Neemias Queta (C)
Yeah, you read that right. Neemias Queta is the starting center for the Boston Celtics. It’s wild. But here’s the thing: it works.
Jaylen Brown’s Ascension
With Tatum out (hopefully returning by April), Jaylen Brown has basically become the sun that this entire solar system orbits around. He’s averaging 29.7 points per game. He isn't just scoring; he’s doing it with a level of efficiency that’s honestly kind of scary. He’s shooting nearly 50% from the floor while being triple-teamed every other possession.
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The narrative used to be that Jaylen couldn’t lead a team solo. Well, he’s spent the last few months silencing that. He's been the most consistent "first-team caliber" player in the league this year.
The "Buffalo" Still Roams
Derrick White is still the glue. Even though his shooting percentage has dipped to about 39%, he’s doing everything else. He’s leading the team in blocks (1.5 per game!) as a guard. Think about that. He’s basically a 6’4” defensive anchor.
The Bench Mob and the Anfernee Simons Factor
One of the biggest shocks of the 2025-26 season was the trade that brought Anfernee Simons from Portland. Most people assumed he’d start. Nope. Mazzulla has him coming off the bench as a super-sub.
Simons is putting up 14.1 points in just 24 minutes. By keeping him on the bench, the Celtics ensure they never have a "scoring drought." When Brown sits, Simons comes in and just starts launching. It’s high-octane, and it keeps opposing second units on their heels.
The New Kids on the Block
Brad Stevens has a "type." He likes long, versatile wings who can defend three positions. Enter the "Rotation Shuffle":
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- Jordan Walsh: He’s finally getting real minutes and has turned into a rebounding machine for his size.
- Hugo González: The rookie from Real Madrid. He’s only 19, but he plays with a grit that has TD Garden fans obsessed.
- Josh Minott: A vertical threat that gives this team a lob option they haven't really had since the Rob Williams days.
Why the "No Rotation" Strategy is Working
Mazzulla recently said there "may be no rotation." That sounds like coach-speak, but he’s serious. One night Chris Boucher starts because they need length against a team like Milwaukee. The next night, Baylor Scheierman is in the mix because they need to spread the floor.
This unpredictability is the Celtics' greatest weapon. Without Tatum, they can’t just rely on "give the ball to the superstar and move out of the way." They play fast. They lead the league in pace (which is a 180-degree turn from last year). They foul more. They gamble more.
It’s messy basketball, but it’s winning basketball.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
There's this idea that the Celtics are just "treading water" until Tatum gets back. That’s a mistake.
This version of the Celtics has the second-best Net Rating in the NBA (+7.2). They aren't just surviving; they are thriving in a system that emphasizes ball movement over isolation. When Tatum does return—likely in April—he’s going to be joining a team that has learned how to win without him. That should be terrifying for the rest of the league.
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What to Watch Moving Forward
If you're following the Boston Celtics starting lineup, pay attention to the center spot. While Queta has been great, the "Luka Garza era" in Boston is starting to pick up steam. Garza’s offensive rebounding has been a game-changer in short bursts.
Also, keep an eye on the injury report for Payton Pritchard. He’s been dealing with a nagging ankle issue. If he misses time, Simons likely slides into the starting role, which changes the entire spacing of the floor.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Track the Pace: If Boston is playing slow, they are losing. They need to keep that transition game alive to make up for the lack of Tatum’s half-court gravity.
- Watch the 4th Quarter Usage: See who takes the last shot. It’s been a committee lately between Brown and White, which makes them harder to scout than the old "Tatum-Iso" plays.
- Monitor the Young Wings: Jordan Walsh and Hugo González are the keys to the Celtics' defensive identity. Their growth determines if this team can actually contend in the playoffs.
The Celtics are basically playing "Moneyball" on a basketball court right now. It isn't always pretty, but it’s undeniably effective.