So, you’re looking at the clock and realized the parquet floor has been empty for a few days. It happens. We all get that itch. Honestly, checking the schedule for a team like Boston is basically a part-time job given how fast the NBA season moves. If you are wondering when do the Celtics play again, the short answer is pretty simple: they hit the hardwood next on Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Atlanta Hawks.
The tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena.
But that’s just the start of a pretty wild stretch. This isn't just one random road game; it’s the beginning of a massive swing that’s going to test exactly what this roster is made of, especially with the current lineup shifts we’ve been seeing lately.
When Do the Celtics Play Again? The Immediate Schedule
The next few weeks are a mix of gritty road trips and some high-profile matchups back at the Garden. If you're trying to plan your life around these games, here is the breakdown of the upcoming slate:
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- Saturday, Jan 17 @ Atlanta Hawks (7:30 PM ET): This one is a "City Edition" game in Atlanta. Expect a lot of flash. You can catch it on NBC Sports Boston or FDSN-SE if you're in the local markets.
- Monday, Jan 19 @ Detroit Pistons (8:00 PM ET): This is a special one. It’s the MLK Day Game. It’s also being broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock, so you don't even need a regional sports package for this one.
- Wednesday, Jan 21 vs. Indiana Pacers (7:30 PM ET): Finally back home at TD Garden. This starts a little home-and-away seesaw for the guys.
- Friday, Jan 23 @ Brooklyn Nets (7:30 PM ET): A quick hop down to the Barclays Center.
- Saturday, Jan 24 @ Chicago Bulls (7:00 PM ET): The second night of a back-to-back. These are always the "trap" games where legs get heavy.
The Mid-Season Grind and the Tatum Factor
It’s no secret that this 2025-26 season has been... different. Seeing the Celtics (currently 25-15) sitting at the third seed in the East is respectable, but doing it without Jayson Tatum is the real story. After that Achilles tear, everyone sort of wrote the season off. People thought they’d be lucky to make the Play-In.
They started 5-7. It looked grim. Like, "lottery pick" grim.
But since then? They've gone 18-8. It’s been a masterclass in "next man up" mentality. Jaylen Brown has basically ascended to a different plane of existence, and the ball movement is actually—dare I say—better? Without a single dominant iso-scorer to lean on every possession, the offense has become way more unpredictable.
How to Watch the Upcoming Games
If you’re trying to find the game and keep hitting a wall, it’s probably because the broadcast rights are more fragmented than ever this year. Between the regional networks and the new streaming deals, you sort of have to be a detective to find the right channel.
- NBC Sports Boston: This is still the home for most regular-season games.
- National Broadcasts: Keep an eye on Peacock and NBC. They’ve taken over a huge chunk of the schedule this year, including the upcoming MLK Day game against Detroit.
- Amazon Prime Video: The Celtics have seven games on Prime this season. If you're wondering when do the Celtics play again on a Friday night, check Prime first.
- NBA League Pass: Still the gold standard if you live outside of New England, though the blackouts remain a massive headache for everyone involved.
Why the January 30th Game is Circled
If you are looking to actually head to the Garden, the game on Friday, January 30th against the Sacramento Kings is the one everyone is talking about. Why? It’s Jaylen Brown Bobblehead Night.
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Tickets for that one are already starting around $111, which is a bit of a jump compared to the $60 you can find for the Portland game earlier that week. Usually, these promo nights turn the Garden into a playoff atmosphere, and with the Kings playing the way they are this year, it’s going to be a track meet.
What to Watch For on the Court
Pay attention to the bench rotation during this upcoming road trip. With the trade deadline looming in February, the front office is likely scouting their own guys as much as they are the opposition. There’s been a lot of chatter about whether they need one more veteran big man to provide cover for Kristaps Porzingis, who—while brilliant—is always a "cross your fingers" situation regarding his durability.
Also, keep an eye on the defensive switching. Without Tatum's length on the perimeter, the Celtics have had to get creative. They’re playing a much more aggressive "show and recover" style that’s forced a ton of turnovers lately.
Actionable Steps for Celtics Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Celtics site or use a service like Calendar Labs to download the 2026 schedule directly to your phone. It updates for time changes automatically, which is a lifesaver.
- Check the Injury Report: Before placing any bets or buying tickets, wait until the 2:00 PM ET official injury report drops. In 2026, "Load Management" is still very much a thing, and you don't want to pay $200 to see the Maine Celtics stars playing in Boston.
- Verify Your Streaming Login: If you're planning to watch the Detroit game on Monday, make sure your Peacock login actually works before tip-off. Nothing ruins a game like a password reset loop.
- Ticket Strategy: If you're looking for deals, the January 19th game in Detroit has tickets as low as $29. If you’re willing to make the drive, it’s significantly cheaper than any home game at TD Garden.
The season is a marathon, not a sprint. Even without their primary superstar, this team is proving that the system Joe Mazzulla put in place is remarkably resilient. Whether they can keep this 18-8 pace up through the dog days of February remains to be seen, but for now, they are the most interesting "underdog" in the league.