The Boston Celtics stuck with the same starting lineup for two straight preseason games. At tip-off for Wednesday's 114-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets, again, the five on the floor were Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Mitchell Robinson.
It seems it will be the first unit Joe Mazzulla deploys in the season opener against the Detroit Pistons. Lineups can change quickly. When the Celtics went to the Motor City for their third tilt in the 2025-26 campaign, Hugo Gonzalez moved into the starting group.
Walsh started 20 consecutive contests last season. He only did so five more times after that. It speaks to the fluidity of that final spot in the starting lineup, in particular.
However, despite compelling cases for Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman, Gonzalez, and even an argument for Sam Hauser, Mazzulla seemed to confirm that the former Arkansas Razorback will start the year in the first unit.
Why Jordan Walsh will start for the Celtics
After Wednesday's win, Mazzulla was asked about rolling with the same starting lineup for the second straight exhibition match. That approach deviates from how Boston typically navigates the preseason.
As the C's bench boss answered that question, he highlighted Walsh's role and importance to that group.
"Jordan continues to be really good at the start of games, guarding the other team's best player, getting off to a good start defensively," said Mazzulla. "Something he's done well for us those last couple games. It's a huge role for him that we're gonna need from him."
What Jordan Walsh brings to the Celtics' starting lineup
The three-year veteran brings a welcome infusion of athleticism to Boston's first unit. And while he is evolving his game offensively, he remains a low-usage player. That fits perfectly with a group that includes Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Paul George.
Walsh is a reliable catch-and-shoot option. He knocked down 41.4 percent of the 1.7 threes he attempted in those situations last season. He'll also generate extra possessions. The six-foot-six wing snagged 2.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes last year.
However, as Mazzulla noted, guarding the other team's best player is at the heart of why he appears to be in the starting lineup. The 22-year-old from Texas has quick feet and a seven-foot-two wingspan. He can apply airtight pressure, hounding some of the NBA's best scorers. In last season's breakout campaign, studious work in the film room sharpened his defensive instincts. That allowed him to win more with anticipation.
Walsh made life uncomfortable for a group that included Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, Karl-Anthony Towns, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero. Now, it seems that Cade Cunningham is his next assignment. Taking on that challenge empowers players like George and White to wreak havoc off the ball. That configuration can help Boston produce more turnovers and transition points.
It's a winning formula that positions Walsh to follow up a breakout year with a breakthrough into the Celtics' starting lineup for Tuesday's opener in Detroit.
Add us as a preferred source on Google