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Boston Celtics (0-0) at Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)
Thursday, October 8, 2026
7:00 PM ET
Preseason Game #1 Road Game #1
TV: NBC Sports Boston, League Pass
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, Sirius XM
Rocket Arena
Boston Celtics RosterChris Cenac, Jr
Mike Conley
Luka Garza
Paul George
Hugo Gonzalez
Ron Harper, Jr
Sam Hauser
Payton Pritchard
Neemias Queta
Mitchell Robinson
Baylor Scheierman
Jayson Tatum
Jordan Walsh
Derrick White
2-Way Players Dillon Mitchell
Amari Williams
Exhibit 10 Players Devin Carter
Tucker DeVries
Hayden Gray
Gabe MccGlothan
Milos Uzan
Injuries None
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Possible Starters
PG: Derrick White
SG: Payton Pritchard
SF: Paul George
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Neemias Queta
Cleveland Cavaliers Roster Jarrett Allen
Thomas Bryant
Khalifa Diop
James Harden
Mario Hezonja
Sam Merrill
Donovan Mitchell
Evan Mobley
Craig Porter, Jr
Tyrese Proctor
Meleek Thomas
Nae'Qwan Tomlin
Jaylon Tyson
Peyton Watson
2-Way Players Tristan Enaruna
Riley Minix
Ernest Udeh, Jr
Exhibit 10 Players Rashaun Agee
Zach Austin
Curtis Jones
Kadary Richmond
Injuries None
Head Coach Kenny Atkinson
Possible Cavaliers Starters 
PG: James Harden
SG: Donovan Mitchell
SF: Peyton Watson
PF: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
Game Notes The Celtics begin their preseason slate with a game against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. The Celtics held the first few days of training camp in Boston and then traveled to South Carolina for 3 days of camp at The Citadel. The Cavaliers traveled a bit farther as they traveled to Andalusia, Spain for training camp from September 30 through October 5.
The Cavaliers kept their core group of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen together. They added a 3&D guy in Peyton Watson, who came over from Denver. They also added Jaylon Tyson and rookie Meleek Thomas, who was the 34th pick in this year's draft. They lost Max Strus, Dean Wade, Dennis Schroder, Larry Nance, Jr, and Keon Ellis.
The Celtics kept a core group of Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Neemias Queta together. In what was the most controversial trade of the summer, they traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George. They also brought in Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson as free agents. They also drafted Chris Cenac, Jr with the 27th pick of the draft.
The starting lineups are a guess on my part. For the Celtics, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Paul George are pretty much a lock to start. There is a question mark at center where Joe may start either Neemias Queta, who started last season and had a break out season, or new arrival Mitchell Robinson. At Shooting Guard, Payton Pritchard may start, or Joe may choose to start one of the talented wings who have shown improvement in camp.
What to WatchHow Jayson Tatum Plays - Jayson Tatum played in just 16 games last season, plus 6 playoff games. He looked good and averaged almost 22 points and 10 rebounds, however, he didn't seem to have the same explosion that he did before the injury. He also played along side of Jaylen Brown for the past 10 years and will be playing as the Alpha without him for the first time in his career.
How About the New Guys- How will Paul George's game fit with Jayson Tatum and how will he play in the Celtics' system. Does he still have a lot in the tank and can he still play at a high level? Will Mitchell Robinson start or come off the bench and how will his game fit with Mazzulla Ball? Can he hit his free throws? Mike Conley has already proved to be a good signing as he is mentoring the younger players. How much will he contribute on the court? Can Chris Cenac, Jr contribute this season?
Improvement from Young Guys - There are reports from camp that Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper, Jr and Hugo Gonzalez are all improved from last season. They are all hungry and want to earn playing time. Which ones have improved the most and will earn a larger role and more playing time?
Roster Battles - The Celtics have one regular roster spot and one 2-Way spot open. They have 5 talented and intriguing players in camp on Exhibit 10 contracts. One of them will win the final 2-way spot. The Celtics have kept the final spot open in the past but will one of these players impress enough to earn that final spot.
X-Factors It's the Preseason - The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays. Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. Regardless of whether the Celtics win or lose it will be great to see them on the court again!!
Rust and Chemistry- This is the first preseason game with some new faces for both teams. Even with the same group, the first game always includes shaking off a lot of rust. Hopefully the Celtics can quickly play through the rust and play together as a team right from the start and that the new players can quickly gel with the returning Celtics.
Topic: Celtics (0-0) at Cavaliers (0-0) Preseason Game 1 10/8/26 (Read 1120 times)