LIVE DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics, 7:30 PM ET

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at TD Garden on October 26, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rough start might be an understatement for the Brooklyn Nets. The worst part? Opponents aren’t getting any easier.

Brooklyn dropped its third straight game Sunday, falling 136-109 to the Indiana Pacers on the backend of a back-to-back. Now, the Nets head to Boston to face a Celtics team that dealt with its fair share of drama this offseason, but continues to push as a championship threat on the back of Jayson Tatum.

Boston is coming off a 134-99 win over the Chicago Bulls. That sounds like bad news for the Nets who can’t find answers on the defensive end. As Erik Slater noted, the Nets are giving up 23.3 wide-open threes per game (6+ feet of space) and opponents are shooting 50% on those looks. Combine that with poor rim protection and you’re looking at an unconvincing 0-3 start.

Head coach Jordi Fernández didn’t mince words after Sunday’s loss.

“The performance that we put on after the first quarter was just unacceptable. 112 points in three quarters — you’re not winning basketball games.”

The Nets will get some help with Mikel Brown Jr. expected back after sitting out Sunday’s game for injury management. Brooklyn needs to find a response before this early-season skid grows into something they can’t salvage.

• Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-3) at Boston Celtics (2-1)
• Time: 7:30 PM EDT
• Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
• TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN

Brooklyn Nets

• Joshua Jefferson: OUT (G League assignment)
• Drake Powell: OUT (G League assignment)
• Ben Saraf: OUT (G League assignment)
• Tyler Bilodeau: OUT (G League assignment, two-way)
• Grant Nelson: OUT (G League assignment, two-way)

Boston Celtics

• Injury report: TBD

“[Mikel Brown Jr.] will be one of several guards chasing Payton Pritchard around tonight. Pritchard hit for 28 points and seven three-pointers last night as he had the Bulls in a blender. PP has been one of the best reserve guards in recent years and is someone Mazzulla and the team can count on to deliver no matter what the role is on a given night. His ascension allows for more flexibility and makes things easier across the board for his teammates. For Brown Jr, Pritchard offers a great test against on the defensive side of the ball, while playing against elite competition overall. It should be fun to see how he shapes out against one of the most prepared teams in the NBA.” – Brian Fleurantin

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