Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics cap off a historic regular season, smashing expectations and sparking debate: Is this squad built for a Finals run, or will playoff pressure reset the narrative? Jayson Tatum’s remarkable Achilles comeback, Jaylen Brown’s evolution into an elite leader, and breakout stories like Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta fuel the green machine’s confidence. With Derrick White shining, Joe M...

The Celtics will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, which is exactly what host John Karalis of Celtics On SI wanted. He breaks down why the Celtics should have a pretty easy time of things before opening up a playoff mailbag to discuss playoff concerns, Boston's chance of making the Finals, Jaylen Brown's dancing, and pace of play.  Everydayer Club If you never miss...

The Celtics are waiting for their first round opponent. Should they hope Philadelphia or Orlando wins? John Karalis of Celtics on SI and Tom Westerholm of Boston.com both agree on the opponent, and some of the reasons are a little outside the box. Plus, the Celtics path to the NBA Finals looks pretty good right now. We examine what can go right and lead them to the promised land, and what can go w...

Boston Celtics stars shake up the Locked On NBA Awards, but is Jaylen Brown getting the respect he deserves? Brown lands second team All-NBA despite a strong case for the first, Derrick White earns first team All-Defense honors, and Joe Mazzulla dominates Coach of the Year voting. Are advanced stats and shifting narratives holding back Celtics from more individual recognition? John Karalis of Celt...

Boston Celtics shock skeptics with a 56-win season and are true NBA title contenders. John Karalis of Celtics on SI ranks the season’s biggest storylines with Tom Westerholm of Boston.com, spotlighting Brad Stevens’ roster wizardry, Joe Mazzulla’s innovative defense-first strategy, and how Jaylen Brown’s All-NBA campaign changed the Celtics’ ceiling. The discussion dissects the impact of surprise...

Boston Celtics shock Orlando Magic with undermanned roster and a jaw-dropping performance from unexpected heroes. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard among eight guys out, the Celtics leaned on former two-way players and newcomers—highlighted by Baylor Scheierman’s electrifying 30 points and Ron Harper Jr.’s all-around game—to topple a playoff-hungry Orlando team i...

Boston Celtics torch New Orleans Pelicans with historic three-point shooting, notching 29 threes and locking up the East’s second seed. Will Nikola Vucevic's renewed confidence and Neemias Queta's milestone season translate to playoff success? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down the Celtics’ emphatic 144-118 win, spotlighting Payton Pritchard’s 29-point, 10-assist showcase and Sam Hauser’s h...

Boston Celtics drop tight contest to New York Knicks as Jayson Tatum faces his Madison Square Garden demons—and wins a personal battle. Did Joe Mazzulla’s refusal to reveal playoff adjustments cost the team, or is there a bigger strategy at play? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down the Celtics’ defensive approach, the center rotation dilemma with Neemias Queta and Nikola Vucevic, and the sur...

Boston Celtics gear up for a high-stakes battle with the New York Knicks, as Jayson Tatum’s rapid return to form reshapes the playoff conversation. Without Jaylen Brown in the mix, the spotlight turns to Tatum’s chemistry with Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and rising big man Neemias Queta. Can the Celtics’ new frontcourt depth and evolving roles push them ahead as true championship contenders,...

Giannis Antetokounmpo stirs Boston Celtics speculation with pointed praise for Joe Mazzulla and the team’s winning culture. Could a blockbuster trade reshape the Eastern Conference hierarchy—and should Boston risk its prized depth for another superstar run? John Karalis of Celtics On SI and Tom Westerholm of Boston.com break down swirling Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors, dissecting the feasibility an...

Boston Celtics’ future shines as Brad Stevens shuts down coaching rumors and details his commitment to championship basketball. Can the Celtics maintain their edge with Jayson Tatum's remarkable recovery and a front office determined to fix NBA tanking culture? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down Brad Stevens' insights on ending tanking, the evolution of the NBA lottery, and why the current...

Boston Celtics overpower Charlotte Hornets with a suffocating fourth-quarter surge—can this new defensive edge carry them through the playoffs? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down the Celtics’ 113-102 victory at TD Garden, spotlighting Jordan Walsh’s lockdown defense on LaMelo Ball and Jaylen Brown’s explosive 35-point performance. The show examines the playoff-like intensity, key momentum s...

Boston Celtics’ youth movement sparks fresh optimism—are Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman the next breakout stars? John Karalis of Celtics On SI and Tom Westerholm of Boston.com break down the true ceilings of the Celtics’ so-called “young” players, challenging perceptions about age, upside, and opportunity on a contending roster. Scheierman’s old-school flair and versatility draw comparisons t...

Boston Celtics surge with Neemias Queta's breakout run as chemistry with Jayson Tatum fuels new heights. Is Queta emerging as the next must-have big man in the NBA, or is Celtics’ system making everyone look good? Host John Karalis and guest Tom Westerholm spotlight Queta's rapid in-season growth, improved pick-and-roll timing, and rim protection that’s changing opposing offenses. The conversation...

Boston Celtics brace for transformative offseason as ownership signals willingness to spend—are major moves on the horizon? Bill Chisholm’s interview spotlights critical decisions on roster construction, Brad Stevens' and Joe Mazzulla’s future, and the ongoing debate about staying at TD Garden. Questions swirl around Vucevic’s contract, impacts from Neemias Queta's and Luka Garza’s development, an...

Boston Celtics overpower Toronto Raptors with rising star Neemias Queta’s dominant two-way performance. As Tatum and Brown combine for 49 points, is Queta’s growth the x-factor Boston needs heading into the NBA playoffs? John Karalis of Celtics On SI spotlights Queta’s advanced pick-and-roll decision-making, rim protection, and impressive impact on both ends. Discussion highlights include Jayson T...

Boston Celtics dominate the Milwaukee Bucks as Jayson Tatum continues his stunningly seamless return, nearly notching another triple-double. Can anyone stop this Boston squad as the playoffs approach? The Celtics’ fluid offense and relentless ball movement led to 43 first-quarter points, while Jaylen Brown’s creative finishes and Derrick White’s efficiency showcased the depth of Joe Mazzulla’s rot...

Boston Celtics redefine the Jaylen Brown–Jayson Tatum dynamic, unlocking a more versatile offense and sharper team identity. Has Jaylen’s evolution into a true first option transformed Boston’s championship potential? John Karalis and Tom Westerholm break down how shifts in Brown’s mentality, improved playmaking, and roster changes have elevated both stars. They explore Derrick White’s steadying p...

Boston Celtics overwhelm the Miami Heat with Jayson Tatum’s triple-double brilliance and Jaylen Brown’s dominant 43-point night. Are the Celtics peaking at the perfect time for a playoff run? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down Boston’s explosive 53-point first quarter, pinpointing Sam Hauser’s sharpshooting, Derrick White’s elite defensive hustle, and Payton Pritchard’s clutch scoring. The...

Boston Celtics are a 50 win team, shattering the “second apron” narrative—have they cracked the code for roster-building in today’s NBA? John Karalis of Celtics On SI and Tom Westerholm of Boston.com dissect how Boston’s front office, elite coaching, and relentless player development have kept the Celtics thriving, even as salary cap challenges reshape the league. The conversation spotlights Jayle...

Boston Celtics stumble in Atlanta as Jaylen Brown posts big stats but struggles with efficiency. Can the All-NBA contender bounce back? John Karalis of Celtics on SI breaks down the Celtics’ 112-102 loss, spotlighting Brown’s uncharacteristic performance alongside solid efforts from Luka Garza, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. ey discussions cover Celtics turnover woes, supporting cast impact,...

Boston Celtics secure their 50th win with Jayson Tatum returning to top form—could this be the spark for a championship run? Tatum dazzles with a dominant 32-5-5 line, showing off his signature swagger and confidence, while Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta step up as key contributors against the Charlotte Hornets. The Celtics’ playoff positioning solidifies, and massive milestones are reached, i...

Boston Celtics survive a gritty showdown with the Atlanta Hawks as Payton Pritchard explodes for 36 points off the bench. Can the Celtics maintain their momentum as Jaylen Brown recovers from Achilles tendinitis and Jason Tatum battles back from a rough shooting night? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down how Boston’s bench powered the win, spotlighting key performances from Pritchard, Luka G...

Boston Celtics weigh the Sam Hauser vs. Baylor Scheierman starting debate as playoff positioning heats up—could Hauser’s elite threat level shape postseason matchups? John Karalis of Celtics on SI and Tom Westerholm of Boston.com break down which shooter offers more impact for the Celtics’ offense and why Hauser’s gravity changes the game for stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The duo also...

Boston Celtics seize a statement win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, silencing doubters and reigniting their championship momentum. Can Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum keep up this all-around dominance as the playoffs approach? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down the Celtics’ gritty victory at TD Garden, spotlighting Jaylen Brown’s 31-point explosion and Jayson Tatum’s double-double, as the du...