Honestly, keeping track of the NBA schedule feels like a full-time job sometimes. If you’re a C’s fan, you probably just saw them dismantle the Atlanta Hawks 132-106 on Saturday night. It was a massive win, but the grind never stops in this league. If you're wondering when do boston celtics play again, the answer is right around the corner.
The Boston Celtics are back in action this Monday, January 19, 2026.
They’re headed to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Pistons. It’s a special one, too—the annual MLK Day game. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena. You’ve probably noticed the team has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately, mostly because the injury report looks like a CVS receipt. But sitting at 26-15 and second in the East, Joe Mazzulla’s squad is still very much in the hunt.
The Road Ahead: Upcoming Celtics Schedule
After the Detroit trip, the schedule doesn't get any easier. The team is basically living out of suitcases this month. Here is how the next few games look for the Green:
- Wednesday, Jan 21: vs. Indiana Pacers (Home at TD Garden) – 7:30 PM ET
- Friday, Jan 23: at Brooklyn Nets (Barclays Center) – 7:30 PM ET
- Saturday, Jan 24: at Chicago Bulls (United Center) – 7:00 PM ET
- Monday, Jan 26: vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Home) – 8:00 PM ET
That back-to-back against Brooklyn and Chicago is going to be a real test of depth. It's kinda wild how the NBA stacks these games. One night you're in New York, the next you're catching a flight to Illinois to play a rested Bulls team.
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Watching the Celtics Without Tatum
The elephant in the room is obviously Jayson Tatum. Seeing him on the sidelines instead of on the court is... weird. He’s been out all season rehabilitating that torn Achilles, and the latest reports from CBS Sports suggest we won't see him back until at least April 1. It’s a massive void.
Without JT, the weight has fallen squarely on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Jaylen is putting up a massive 27.8 points per game, but he’s been dealing with a nagging back issue lately. He was questionable for a few games but seems to be gutting it out.
Derrick White has been the "unsung hero" for years, but this year it's different. He’s not unsung anymore. He's basically the engine. Averaging over 20 points and over 3 threes a game, he’s kept them afloat. Honestly, without White's leap this year, this record would look a lot different.
What to Expect in Detroit
The Pistons aren't exactly world-beaters, but they play hard at home. Since it's MLK Day, the atmosphere will be a bit more intense than a random Tuesday in November.
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Keep an eye on the "new guys" and the bench. With Chris Boucher (back) and Payton Pritchard (ankle) both listed as out until at least Monday, the rotation is thin. You’re going to see a lot of Neemias Queta and maybe even some extended minutes for Baylor Scheierman.
The Celtics are currently 14-8 on the road. They’ve proven they can win away from TD Garden, but these "trap games" against bottom-tier teams like Detroit are where they’ve slipped up in the past.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Jaylen Brown vs. Detroit’s Wings: If Jaylen's back holds up, he should have a field day. Detroit doesn't have anyone who can really match his physicality for 40 minutes.
- The Point Guard Battle: With Pritchard out, Derrick White has to play heavy minutes. If he gets into foul trouble early, the Celtics might have to get creative with their ball-handling.
- The Paint: Neemias Queta has been a fan favorite for a reason. He brings an energy that’s infectious, and against a Detroit frontcourt that’s still finding its identity, he could be the X-factor.
How to Catch the Game
If you aren't making the trip to Detroit, you've got the usual options. Local fans can catch it on NBC Sports Boston. If you're out of market, you’ll need NBA League Pass or a sub to something like Fubo.
For the radio crowd, 98.5 The Sports Hub is still the home of the C’s. There’s something nostalgic about listening to a game while driving through the city, even in 2026.
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Basically, the Celtics are in a "survival and growth" phase. They are winning games they should win and staying competitive with the heavy hitters, all while waiting for their superstar to heal. It’s not always pretty, but it’s effective.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Injury Report Late: NBA teams are notorious for late-afternoon updates. Check the official NBA injury report around 5:00 PM ET on Monday to see if Jaylen Brown or Sam Hauser (hamstring) are actually cleared to play.
- Watch the Standings: The race for the #1 seed in the East is tight. Every game against a sub-.500 team like the Pistons is mandatory if they want to catch up to the top spot.
- Monitor Ticket Prices: If you're looking to go to the Pacers game on Wednesday, wait until about 2 hours before tip-off. With the current injury uncertainty, resale prices on apps like SeatGeek tend to dip right before the gates open.
The Celtics are a different team this year, but the goal is the same. Just keep winning until number zero gets back on the floor.