The Celtics Game at the TD Garden on 10/14/26 is an early preseason checkpoint for both Boston and Charlotte, with each team playing its third exhibition and still working through lineup uncertainty.
The Boston Celtics arrived at 2-0 after beating the Cavaliers in their first preseason game and the 76ers in their second. The Charlotte Hornets entered at 1-1, having lost to the Nets before bouncing back with a win over the Bucks. Boston also still had one more preseason game to come at Philadelphia on Friday.
Joe still has a choice to make
The big question for the Celtics is whether Joe plays the starters again or sits them once more. That decision shapes the meaning of the night just as much as the result, because preseason is less about the scoreboard and more about rhythm, conditioning and whether the rotation is starting to settle.
For Boston, the first two games have already provided one clear takeaway: the group can win while still leaving room for different lineup looks. That gives Joe flexibility, but it also means this third preseason game can be used in more than one way.
Hornets arrive with questions of their own
The Hornets come in with a roster that includes several new players this season, but they are also managing a long availability list. Several players were out or listed as game time decisions, which leaves their actual rotation uncertain before tip-off.
That matters because the Hornets have already shown both sides of their preseason. They dropped their opener to the Nets, then responded with a win over the Bucks, so this game offers another early read on how quickly they can build consistency.
With both teams on their third preseason game, the emphasis is on information rather than outcome. The Celtics Game gives Boston another chance to decide how much it wants to test its starters, while Charlotte will be trying to make the most of whatever available lineup it can put on the floor.
