Sensational Prediction: Celtics to Reach 2026 NBA Finals

Bailey Makes Bold Prediction: Celtics to Reach 2026 NBA Finals Despite Depleted Roster

Andy Bailey has made a blockbuster prediction that the Boston Celtics will reach the 2026 NBA Finals, despite the absence of core player Jayson Tatum and the departures of Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford.

Bailey pointed out that the Celtics kicked off 2026 with a 21-12 record, ranking third in the Eastern Conference. Three of the team's top four scorers—Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons—are shooting worse from beyond the arc than their career averages, yet the team has still maintained competitiveness. He argued that any of these players could find their shooting touch at any time, and combined with Jaylen Brown's emergence as a superstar, the Celtics are more than capable of competing with any Eastern Conference playoff team. The biggest confidence boost for Bailey's prediction comes from Tatum's potential return—adding a perennial All-NBA forward to a team already on track for 50+ wins will be enough to propel the Celtics back to the NBA Finals.

The Celtics' next game is a road matchup against the Kawhi Leonard-led LA Clippers, scheduled for Saturday.

#NBA Prediction #Celtics #Jayson Tatum #Jaylen Brown #Bleacher Report