What concerns are real for the Celtics amid their difficult first half? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics have so rarely lost consecutive games over the past 14 months that the first losing streak of the 2024-25 season is probably higher than it should be. However, it is clear that the Celtics, losers of four of their last seven games, are in a somewhat rare situation.
A shaky schedule, injuries and that championship goal on their backs all contributed to Boston’s first uneven stretch of basketball of the season. No one is panicking, but with a busy and busy January schedule looming, it’s fair to wonder which areas the Celtics need to clean up quicker than others.
The Celtics looked like a wrecking ball with a 16-3 record through the first five weeks of the season. They got Kristaps Porzingis back at the end of that stretch and seemed to find another gear in a lopsided victory against the Clippers.
But Boston has faltered a bit since then. The C stumbled against East-leading Cleveland in an early-season rematch after Boston ended the Cavs’ winning streak in November. Losses to Chicago, OrlandoAnd Philadelphia Over the last week, the team will take inventory of its missteps.
So what is really a reason to worry and what is just a red flag? Let’s address some of the more notable issues and assign a “concern rating” (1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest):
Health and production of Porzingis
When the Celtics beat the Clippers on Nov. 25 in Porzingis’ season debut, it felt like a glimpse of their full potential with their 7-foot-2 big man back on the court.
Boston’s offensive rating through its first 23 games was 120.6, second-best in the NBA. Over the last seven games, that number has dropped to 113.1. Boston’s net rating in Porzingis’ 299 minutes of play is just +3.1 and rises to +12.6 in his 325 minutes off the court.
Some starting and stopping didn’t help anyone find consistency. Porzingis has twisted a foot three times since his return, including leaves Christmas Day game with left ankle pain after a start of stumbling.
Boston’s preferred starting five, Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, have a net rating of -4 in 85 minutes together. That includes a measly 110.7 offensive rating. A season ago, this group was +11 in 623 minutes together.
Maybe it’s simple: Porzingis is healthy and staying healthy. But the Celtics simply haven’t exploited what made this group so dominant a season ago. Porzingis was supposed to be the piece that would push this group to another level; instead, it feels like they went the other way.
Concern meter: 6. It’s very important for Porzingis to be healthy in May and June, but having a long stretch with all pieces of that core healthy would also be helpful now.
Hauser’s back problems
Sam Hauser missed seven games early in the 2024-25 season due to back pain after missing just five games over the past two seasons. More concerning: When Hauser was available, he struggled to make an impact.
This has become more pronounced over the last two games, as Hauser has made – and missed – just one shot in 30 minutes of play against the Magic and Sixers. A plus/minus darling, he is minus-17 over the last two games.
Like Porzingis, it’s been a bit of on-and-off with Hauser. He missed one game to start the month against Miami, but returned to make 9 of 18 3-pointers in two games against Detroit and Milwaukee. Unfortunately, the guard misbehaved again and forced him to miss three of the next four games.
The Celtics need to find a way to get Hauser feeling good again. Even with Payton Pritchard leads the Sixth Man of the Year conversationthe bench hasn’t been as effective this season, in part because of Hauser’s struggles. Boston is blessed with depth, but Hauser is essential for the team to be as dominant as it was season ago.
Concern meter: 5. Back injuries are tricky. We suspect Hauser is trying to overcome the pain. Boston differentiated itself with bench play last season and a more influential Hauser would go a long way toward healing this group’s ills.
Turnover
Boston’s turnover percentage through the first 23 games of the season was just 11.8 percent, the second-best mark in the NBA behind Oklahoma City. That figure has jumped to 13.1 percent over the last seven games.
But it’s the combination of Boston getting a little sloppy and their inability to force defensive runs that has hampered the team as of late. The Sixers had just six turnovers Wednesday, most of which came in the Celtics’ feverish attempt to rally late.
Concern meter: 2. The Celtics will address the ball security issues, but they need to work harder to force their opponents into giveaways. Boston creates just 13.4 turnovers per game, tied for 25th in the NBA. The Celtics’ turnover issues highlight their need to focus a little more on details.
Home is not sweet
The Celtics are now 11-5 at TD Garden with their Christmas Day loss – this after going 37-4 at home last season.
It was clear that after losing Game 7 at home in the 2023 East Finals, the C’s prioritized field maintenance last season. This year they didn’t harness the garden’s energy as much.
Boston has now lost to Golden State, Atlanta opens the NBA Cup, Memphis on the return of Marcus SmartChicago and Philadelphia at home.
Concern meter: 3. Ironically, two of Boston’s three playoff losses came at home last season. But they were much better at protecting their territory a year ago. They must take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the Garden.
Derrick White’s crisis
White seemed to make a strong case for the All-Star’s inclusion, but for the second year in a row, a minor early-season slump could conspire against him.
Over his last nine games, White is shooting 37.3 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from 3-point range on nearly nine attempts per game. White missed a game in late November against the Cavs with a foot injury and hasn’t quite been himself since. It’s fair to wonder if a lot of basketball over the past 14 months adds up as well.
Concern meter: 1. While this may hamper his chances of being an All-Star, White still seems to be finding his way. His “Stock” numbers (1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game) are still solid over the last nine games; it just needs to lock in a little more on both sides.
A reminder of the final(s)
Ultimately, it appears the Celtics simply need to recommit to the details. It’s a long season and it’s hard to get there every night when your ultimate goal can’t be achieved until June. But Boston just got a little lax in some areas.
Health hasn’t helped that cause, but the Celtics rarely used availability as an excuse last season. Boston’s depth is supposed to be the differentiator and the Celtics need more from whoever is available on the court.
Boston hasn’t responded well to physicality and pace lately. We’re eager to see if an increase in top-tier opponents in January forces the Celtics to put forth a more consistent effort and how they respond to bumps in the road.
The bottom line is that this team just hasn’t played consistently enough lately. They have clearly shown their potential to play at championship level but too often suffer painful lulls on both ends of the pitch. There has to be a recommitment to playing hard for almost 48 minutes.
It’s not easy when you fail to achieve any of your major goals in December or January. But the team needs to get back into better habits. Teams seem a little too comfortable against Boston at times, especially on the floor, and it’s time for the Celtics to remind themselves that they are the champions and plan to retain that crown in June.
