Celtics likely to start Payton Pritchard

The Boston Celtics are reportedly planning to promote Payton Pritchard into their starting lineup while utilizing Anfernee Simons as a dynamic scoring option off the bench for the 2025–26 season, according to Grant Afseth.

Sources indicate that the Celtics view Pritchard as having earned the starting point guard role after years of steady growth and development within the organization.

His deep understanding of the team’s system, combined with his ability to handle increased responsibilities, makes him the preferred choice to open games.

Meanwhile, Simons is expected to provide an instant offensive spark when coming off the bench, giving Boston a potent scoring threat in their second unit – assuming he remains with the team.

This adjustment signals a strategic balance between rewarding homegrown talent and maintaining a high-octane scoring presence, positioning the Celtics for a flexible approach to both their starting lineup and bench rotations.

The Boston Celtics are expected to start Payton Pritchard and have Anfernee Simons come off the bench, per @GrantAfseth

“The Boston Celtics appear poised to elevate Payton Pritchard into the starting lineup while using Anfernee Simons as a high-scoring option off the bench for… pic.twitter.com/M6FuG6MELu

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 14, 2025