Boston

Celtics

With Neemias Queta being removed from the starting lineup for Game 7, this appeared to be a spot in which Vučević would have an opportunity to start on Saturday. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla decided to go with Luka Garza, who played nine minutes and recorded just one blocked shot. Vučević’s production was limited throughout the series, which led to him not playing at all in Game 7. When allowed to start and log heavy minutes, as he did in Chicago, Vučević has been a positive fantasy asset in recent seasons. However, the limited production after being traded to Boston may affect his market in free agency this summer. Vooch has top-50 potential as a starter, but that kind of role may not be available to him at this stage. At least for a team with championship aspirations.

Removed from the starting lineup for Game 7, Queta had his most productive game of the series on Saturday. The Celtics’ center’s 17 points were a playoff career high, and he hit double digits in rebounds for the third consecutive game. Thrust into a more prominent role this season following the departures of Kristaps Porziņǵis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Queta rewarded fantasy managers with a top-100 regular season. He has a team option for next season worth just under $2.7 million, so it feels as if the chances of Queta remaining in Boston are high. However, the inconsistent offensive production may prompt the Celtics also to look to upgrade at center via free agency or the trade market.

Even with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla making three changes to his starting lineup for Game 7, Pritchard remained in his usual reserve role. A 2-of-7 night from beyond the arc prevented him from being as impactful as he can be, especially when the three-pointers are falling. Saturday night was a disappointing conclusion to what was, overall, an excellent season for Pritchard. His production picked up once he moved back into the sixth-man role, and that should be Pritchard’s responsibility for 2026-27 with a healthy Jayson Tatum in the fold. Pritchard offers a top-75 fantasy floor, but the ceiling is somewhat limited.

With no Jayson Tatum (knee), it was clear that Brown was going to have to shoulder a far heavier workload in Game 7. He did his best to deliver the victory in Game 7, but the Celtics’ wing appeared to run out of steam late. Brown’s shot selection wasn’t the best, as the 76ers were able to close driving lanes better than they did as Boston made its charge early in the fourth quarter. Brown’s production during the regular season should land him a first-team All-NBA spot, but percentages and turnovers limited his fantasy ceiling. In theory, having Tatum back for a full season should boost Brown’s efficiency, but it may also lower his scoring output.

White got his Game 7 off to an excellent start, scoring 19 points in the first half. However, the 76ers, specifically VJ Edgecombe, did a much better job of defending him in the second half. White made some history, joining Kevin Durant (2018) and Robert Covington (2020) as the only players to record at least five three-pointers and three blocks in a Game 7, but it wasn’t enough to get the shorthanded Celtics over the finish line. Shooting was an issue for the Celtics’ guard throughout the season, but the ability to fill a stat line preserved his fantasy value. Managers should expect more of the same from White in 2026-27, hopefully with a more accurate jump shot.

Jayson Tatum (knee) is out for Saturday’s series decider, but his absence has forced just one of three changes to the Celtics’ starting lineup. Scheierman moves into the starting lineup, with the additions of Harper and Garza pushing Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta to the bench.

Tatum’s left leg gave him trouble during Boston’s Game 6 loss to the 76ers, but Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was confident on Friday that the star forward would be available for Game 7. Added to the injury report early Saturday afternoon, Tatum is now officially out. Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman are potential replacements in the starting lineup, with the former being the more likely choice due to what he brings to the table defensively.

Tatum was added to the injury report Saturday afternoon as questionable with left knee stiffness. It’s not a good sign for the 28-year-old power forward. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters on Friday that Tatum would play. Now his superstar’s status is legitimately up in the air on the afternoon of Game 7.

Mazzulla was quoted as saying, “He’ll play,” so Celtics fans should expect the superstar to be on the court for the winner-take-all matchup at TD Garden. In seven career Game 7’s, Tatum has averaged 26.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists across 41.5 minutes.

Similar to several other Celtics players, Prtichard struggled with his shot in Game 6. He was particularly cold from beyond the arc, which is where half of his field-goal attempts came from. Poor three-point shooting aside, he actually performed offensively, with his five assists being the most for Boston on the night. He’ll likely come off the bench on Saturday and look to provide a spark in Game 7.