After being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics made some wholesale roster changes in the 2023 offseason; trading away Marcus Smart in a three-team deal to land Kristaps Prozingis from the Washington Wizards and sign-and-trading Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks.
The NBA win total for the Celtics has been set at 54.5 wins. My personal prediction for the Celtics’ record by the end of the 2023-24 regular season? 52-30.
The reason for that somewhat bearish prediction: I don’t trust Kristaps Prozingis, Robert Williams III, and Malcolm Brogdon to be healthy all season. Al Horford is 37 years old, and at this point of his career, and should be coming off the bench to keep his body fresh for the playoffs.
Here’s how Hardwood Houdini’s staff sees the 2023-24 Boston Celtics season going down
I asked the Hardwood Houdini writing staff’s opinion on how they see the C’s season going down, and here’s what they said:
Randolph Charlotin: (50-32) When healthy, the Boston Celtics have one of the best rosters in the league. Key words: when healthy. Managing injuries for players who have a hard time staying on the court will have an effect on the floor. Boston will sacrifice regular season wins to have everyone available for the playoffs.
Caden Charpentier: (55-27), good for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Given all the roster turnover, it just makes much more sense for there to be an adjustment period in the beginning portions of the campaign. Like most seasons in Boston, there will be ebbs and flows. The height and length of this team with the new seven-footer in the lineup will cause fits, especially on the defensive end with Robert Williams III.
Dylan Thompson: (53-29) I have the Celtics winning 53 games this season. With the addition of Kristaps Prozingis, I think the Celtics will take a step back in wins this season as they will need time to build chemistry and trust. I also think the Celtics will look to prioritize rest this season.
Bryan Morris: (62-20) I’m expecting the Celtics to secure around 62 wins this season, surpassing that wouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as long as we can avoid serious injury problems. Mazzulla has gained a year of experience and a stronger understanding of the team, combining that with the addition of Prozingis to our already stacked lineup. I can’t help but feel optimistic. Tatum and Brown are going to be coming into the season with heightened determination, which also is a key factor, making the Cs a tough team to beat. October 26th can’t arrive quickly enough.
Noa Dalzell: (55-27) I predict that the Celtics will go 55-27, slightly worse than last year’s record. Prozingis, Brown, and Tatum are going to have to learn to play together, which could lead to some early-season struggles, but ultimately, I foresee the season will play out similarly to last season’s, baring any major injuries. It’s probably a 60+ win roster, but it has been some time and we haven’t quite seen this group maintain that level of consistency for 82 games yet.
Matt John: (56-26) Much of the Celtics’ regular season success will hinge on the durability of their frontcourt trio. While we shouldn’t expect Kristaps Prozingis, Robert Williams III, and Al Horford to play the full 82, should they appear in 60-ish games each, the Celtics will benefit greatly from their availability. Factor in All-NBA-caliber seasons from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown along with an expanded role for Derrick White, and the Celtics are looking at another top-two seed.