Celtics Name Jordan Walsh and Mitchell Robinson Starters

Boston will open its 2026-27 NBA regular season against the Detroit Pistons with Jordan Walsh and Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup, joining Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Paul George. Celtics reporter Bobby Manning reported the five-player group ahead of Tuesday's season opener, published by NBC Sports on October 20, 2026.

White, Tatum and George were established choices for the starting five, while the remaining positions were less certain. Walsh secured the final wing spot, and Robinson was selected to start at center ahead of Neemias Queta, according to NBC Sports.

The decision follows a preseason in which Walsh started all three of Boston's games, drawing attention for his defensive assignments and ability to contribute without dominating the offense. His performances helped strengthen his case for a regular-season starting role.

After Boston defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-93 on October 14, head coach Joe Mazzulla explained why Walsh's early-game defense had impressed him.

"Jordan continues to be really good at the start of games. Guarding the team's best player, getting off to a good start defensively," Mazzulla said. "Something he's done well for us those last couple of games. It's a huge role for him, that we're going to need from him."

Walsh's selection also affects Boston's bench rotation. Starting him allows the Celtics to keep Payton Pritchard and Baylor Scheierman available for the second unit, giving the team additional ball-handling and shot-creation options.

Scheierman had previously emerged as a potential starter alongside White, particularly if Pritchard was assigned to lead the reserves. Keeping both players on the bench provides Mazzulla with more flexibility across the rotation, while Walsh offers a defensive presence on the perimeter.

Walsh signed a three-year, $15 million contract earlier in the summer. His preseason role nevertheless represented a shift from expectations that he might compete for minutes without immediately entering the starting lineup.

Mazzulla has experimented with different combinations throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and NBC Sports indicated that lineup adjustments could continue during the new season. Boston's opening configuration therefore establishes its initial rotation rather than confirming that the same five players will start throughout the year.

The Celtics entered the season after facing multiple lineup decisions during the preseason, including how to distribute responsibilities between their starters and reserves. Walsh's defensive assignment and Robinson's promotion ahead of Queta are the two notable changes in the announced opening group.

Boston's season opener against Detroit marks the first regular-season test for the new starting five, with Mazzulla able to evaluate the combination as the 2026-27 campaign progresses.