Update: González replaces Walsh in starting five

The Celtics have changed their starting lineup, with Conley replacing Jordan Walsh. Conley has appeared in three games this season, so his fantasy outlook isn’t the best, even with the spot start. The other four starters are unchanged.

Tatum is back after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Bucks, which pushes Sam Hauser to the bench. The other change is Walsh, who replaces Hugo González in the lineup.

George is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Rockets, which was Boston’s second game in as many days. If Jayson Tatum (rest) plays, Hugo González or Baylor Scheierman will head to the bench.

In Boston’s first three games, Walsh shot 4-of-12 from the field and scored nine points. He matched that total in the first half of Tuesday’s overtime win, and his 15 points are his most in a game since February 11 (16 vs. Chicago). The Celtics don’t look to him for much scoring, but there can be catch-and-shoot opportunities playing off of Jayson Tatum, Paul George and Derrick White. He took advantage against the Nets, shooting 3-of-5 from deep.

González played 14 minutes across Boston’s first two games and was held scoreless, so it was good to see him have a performance like this. Seven of his 13 points came in the first quarter, so it wasn’t just garbage time production. However, he did see extra run in the fourth quarter. González is still just 20 years old and holds upside, but he shouldn’t be rostered in most redraft formats.

Walsh got the starting nod at shooting guard for the opener, but that didn’t result in him playing starter-level minutes. He logged 13 minutes, which was fewer than Payton Pritchard (28 minutes), Sam Hauser (18) and Baylor Scheierman (18). Walsh may or may not continue getting the starting nod, but it’s clear he’s not currently worth rostering in most formats.

White, George and Tatum were all locks for the starting lineup, but the remaining two spots were up for grabs. Walsh will slot into the final wing spot, and Robinson will replace Neemias Queta as the starting center. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla experimented with lineups throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and that may be the case in 2026-27.

The Celtics showed how much they wanted to prioritize Hugo when it got out that they didn’t want to trade him in a Giannis trade. Hugo will get ample opportunities this year to put up numbers. His ability to pass the ball gives high level effort on the boards and on defense, with a growing offensive game, there’s the framework for a good fantasy player if he continues to develop.

The Celtics did not play Jayson Tatum or Paul George on Thursday, and their absences opened spots in the starting lineup for González and Jordan Walsh (16 points, two rebounds, one assist, one block, and two three-pointers in 26 minutes). As a rookie, González had his moments of fantasy relevance, and head coach Joe Mazzulla has shown a willingness to give young players opportunities to contribute. That said, fantasy managers in redraft leagues are better served adding González to their post-draft watchlists than using a pick on him.

With Jayson Tatum out for most of the season, Walsh took on an increased role for the shorthanded Celtics. He’ll be rewarded with an extension that will keep him with the team through the 2029-30 season.