Celtics announce starting lineup ahead of preseason vs. Hornets

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 10: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots a three point basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 10, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTON — The Celtics will use the same starting lineup for the second consecutive preseason game, giving Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, and Mitchell Robinson the nod in their preseason matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.

Tonight’s starters ⤵️@DraftKingspic.twitter.com/VFxaORk7aB

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 14, 2026

That’s the same group that started in the Saturday night 144-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

But in that one, the bench saw just as much of an opportunity as the starters: Jordan Walsh (11 minutes) and Mitchell Robinson (14 minutes) played fewer minutes than Payton Pritchard (24 minutes), Sam Hauser (21 minutes), Hugo Gonzalez (21 minutes), Baylor Scheierman (19 minutes), and Neemias Queta (19 minutes). So, whether this is the starting group on Opening Night against the Detroit Pistons next Tuesday remains to be seen.

In Saturday’s win, Payton Pritchard (25 points, 7 assists), Jayson Tatum (25 points, 4 assists), Hugo Gonzalez (17 points), and Derrick White (15 points) led the way. The Celtics racked up 15 steals, led by George and Scheierman, who each had 5.

The Hornets, meanwhile, will start Naz Reid, Royce O’Neale, Moussa Diabate, Brandon Miller, and Dennis Schroder. Reid, O’Neale, and Schroder are all offseason additions. This will be the Celtics’ first time facing the Hornets since they traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Celtics will play their final preseason game on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. They’re 2-0 in preseason action so far.