What concerns are real for the Celtics during their first rough patch? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics have lost consecutive games so rarely over the past fourteen months that the first losing streak of the 2024-25 season is probably higher on the concern meter than it should be. Still, there’s no denying that the Celtics, losers of four of their last seven, are in a bit of a rare funk.
A shaky schedule, injuries and the championship goal on their backs have all contributed to Boston’s first uneven basketball stretch of the season. No one is slamming the panic buttons, but with a fierce, tough January schedule looming, it’s fair to think about which areas the Celtics need to clean up more quickly 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 win over the Clippers.
But Boston has sputtered a bit since then. The C’s met East-leading Cleveland in an early-season rematch after Boston ended the Cavs’ season-opening win in November. Losses to Chicago, Orlando and Philadelphia in the past week will have the team taking stock of its missteps.
So what is really cause for concern and what is just a blip on the radar? Let’s tackle some of the most notable issues and assign a ‘concern rating’ (1 is the lowest, 10 is the highest):
Porzingis’ health and production
When the Celtics pressured the Clippers in Porzingis’ season debut on Nov. 25, it felt like a glimpse of their full potential with their 7-foot-10 big man back on the floor.
Boston’s offensive rating through the first 23 games was 120.6, second-best in the NBA. Over the last seven tilts, that number has dropped to 113.1. Boston’s net rating in Porzingis’ 299 minutes of playing time is just +3.1, rising to +12.6 in his 325 minutes from the floor.
Some starts and stops haven’t helped anyone find consistency. Porzingis has tweaked one of his feet three times since returning, including leaving the game on Christmas Day with pain in his left ankle after an early stumble.
Boston’s favored starting five of Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White have a combined rating of -4 in 85 minutes. That includes a meager offensive rating of 110.7. A season ago, that group was +11 combined in 623 minutes.
Maybe it’s as simple as Porzingis getting and staying healthy. But the Celtics simply haven’t capitalized on what made that group so dominant a season ago. Porzingis was supposed to be the piece that would take this group to the next level; instead, it feels like they’ve gone the other way.
Care meter: 6. It is paramount that Porzingis are healthy in May and June, but a long period of recovery with all parts of this core would also be helpful now.
Hauser’s back problems
Sam Hauser has missed seven games at the start of 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.
That has been accentuated over the past two games, as Hauser has made — and missed — just one shot through 30 minutes of floor time against the Magic and Sixers. A plus/minus baby, he is minus-17 over the last two games.
Like Porzingis, it was a bit of a start-and-stop story with Hauser. He missed a game to start the month against Miami, but came back and hit 9 of 18 three-pointers in a two-game span against Detroit and Milwaukee. Unfortunately, the back returned to action forcing him to miss three of the next four games.
The Celtics need to figure out how to make Hauser feel like himself again. Even with Payton Pritchard leading the Sixth Man of the Year conversation, the bench hasn’t been as efficient this season, partly because of Hauser’s struggles. Boston is blessed with depth, but Hauser is crucial to the team being as dominant as it was a season ago.
Care meter: 5. Back injuries are difficult. We suspect Hauser is trying to push through the pain. Boston stood out last season by playing off the bench, and a more impactful Hauser could go a long way toward healing what ails that group.
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 only Oklahoma City. That number has increased to 13.1 percent over the past seven games.
But it’s the combination of Boston getting a little sloppy and an inability to force anything on defense that has been hindering the team lately. The Sixers had just six goals on Wednesday, most of which came from the Celtics’ frantic attempt to rally late.
Care meter: 2. The Celtics will fix the ball security issues, but they need to work harder to force opponents into giveaways. Boston generates just 13.4 turnovers per game, which ranks 25th in the NBA. The Celtics’ turnover problems highlight their need to focus a little more on the details.
Home unsweetened house
The Celtics are now 11-5 at TD Garden after their Christmas Day loss – after posting a 37-4 record at home last season.
It was clear that after losing Game 7 on their home court in the 2023 East Finals, the C’s prioritized taking care of the home court last season. This year they haven’t used the Garden energy nearly as well.
Boston has now lost to Golden State, Atlanta in the NBA Cup opener, Memphis in Marcus Smart’s return, Chicago and Philadelphia at home.
Care meter: 3. Ironically, two of Boston’s three playoff losses last season came at home. But a year ago they were so much better at protecting their own turf. They must take advantage of all the opportunities in the Garden.
Derrick White’s breakdown
White seemed to be making a strong case for All-Star inclusion, but for the second year in a row, a minor slump early in the season could conspire against him.
Over his last nine games, White shot 37.3 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from 3-point range on nearly nine attempts per game. White sat out a game against the Cavs in late November with a foot injury and hasn’t been himself since. You may wonder whether a lot of basketball from the past fourteen months is also correct.
Care meter: 1. While it could hinder his All-Star chances, White always seems to find his way. His “Stock” numbers (1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game) are still solid over the past nine games; it just needs to be a little more contained on both sides.
One last memory
Ultimately, it feels like the Celtics just need to recommit to the details. It’s a long season and it’s hard to bring it every night when your ultimate goal can’t be achieved until June. But Boston has just gotten a little lax in certain areas.
Health hasn’t helped, but the Celtics rarely used availability as an excuse last season. Boston’s depth would be what sets it apart and the Celtics need more from whoever is available on the court.
Boston hasn’t responded well to physicality and pace lately. We’re curious to see if an increase in high-profile opponents in January forces the Celtics to make a more consistent effort, and how they respond to the grind on the road.
The bottom line is that this team simply hasn’t played consistently enough lately. They have clearly shown the potential to play at a championship level, but too often are faced with awkward silences on both ends of the floor. There needs to be a renewed commitment to playing hard closer to 48 minutes.
That’s not easy if you can’t achieve any of your primary goals in December or January. But the team needs to build better habits again. Teams sometimes look a little too comfortable against Boston, especially on the Garden floor, and it’s time for the Celtics to send a reminder that they are the champions and have plans to retain that crown come June.
