Five games into the 2026‑27 NBA season, the Hoops Wire breaks down the early surprise contenders. Memphis leads the pack at 5‑0 thanks to Cameron Boozer and Ty Jerome, sparking talks of a genuine Grizzlies surge. Boston’s new duo of Jayson Tatum and Paul George fuels a 4‑1 start, hinting at another deep playoff run under rookie coach Joe Mazzulla. Washington’s high‑flying Wizards, with Trae Young, Anthony Davis and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, aim to break a 50‑win drought since 1979. The piece also notes the Hawks’ potential Pacers‑style breakout and the Warriors’ projected .500 finish.
The good and the bad from Friday night's Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics NBA Cup rout.
Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted Miami, it's clear that they are on the clock, but trading for him hurt their options, which the Boston Celtics wanted to avoid. So far, the Celtics look pretty smart for doing this.
Joe Mazzulla said Payton Pritchard's performance in the Celtics' 125-111 win over the Bulls was the "absolute best version of him." Here's why.
Payton Pritchard ignites the Celtics, scoring 30 points (9‑of‑17 FG, 9‑of‑9 FT) as Boston dismantles Chicago 125‑111 in NBA Cup group play on Oct. 31, 2026. The Celtics jump to a 19‑point first‑quarter lead and stretch it to 29 at halftime, outscoring the Bulls 58‑40 in the paint and shooting 51%. Rookie Caleb Wilson brightens Chicago’s night, dropping 23 points with six 3‑pointers (6‑of‑11) and 5 rebounds. Chicago shoots a dismal 15‑of‑50 from beyond the arc and struggles with turnovers, extending their losing streak to four games.
For 24 minutes, the Boston Celtics looked unstoppable. Shots were falling, the defense was forcing turnovers, and everything was running smoothly. Then, the second half came around.
Former NBA defensive specialist Tony Allen questioned whether Jaylen Brown belongs among the league's top defenders after Brandon Jennings mentioned the Boston Celtics star during a discussion about defensive players.
The post Tony Allen doubts Jaylen Brown’s defensive credentials appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
A Celtics‑side fan vents about a recent Bulls‑Celtics showdown, noting the Bulls’ 6‑point win and rookie Matas scoring 30. The post praises Payton Pritchard’s hustle while lamenting the Celtics’ defense, turnover rate, and overreliance on Jayson Tatum’s threes. It also mocks the schedule, court colors, and bench play, and speculates on betting lines (+15.5) and player rotations. The author mixes humor with frustration, highlighting key moments and player performances that defined the game.
Rookie forward Nate Ament, the No. 13 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, is turning his defensive hustle into more minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks after missing the first two games with a sprained ankle. In 14.7 minutes per game he averages 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 29.4% shooting, but his biggest impact comes guarding stars like Jaylen Brown, Pascal Siakam and Kevin Durant in his first three outings. Ament says his "three‑and‑D" skill set and willingness to match up with elite players will earn him a regular rotation role, and he’s confident his offense will improve as he adapts to playing off the ball.
Boston’s defense erupts early in the 2026 season, forcing 16 turnovers (10 steals) against the Chicago Bulls and climbing to third in the league for opponent turnovers and deflections. Six Celtics logged steals, with Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Paul George leading the charge. Coach Joe Mazzulla credits the new aggressive, ball‑pressure approach—highlighted by Jayson Tatum’s lane protection and George’s versatile perimeter coverage—for the 19‑point lead they built before the Bulls rallied in the second half. While the second half saw only three forced turnovers, the Celtics aim to sustain the intensity that’s reshaping their defensive identity.
The Celtics dominate their NBA Cup debut, defeating the Bulls 125-111 at TD Garden on Oct. 30. Boston erupts for 44 points in the first quarter and leads 78-49 at halftime, thanks to Payton Pritchard’s 20 points on 70% shooting. Jayson Tatum adds 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while newcomer Paul George surprises with 18 points, six rebounds, eight assists and three steals, showcasing instant chemistry with Tatum. The Bulls rally in the second half, cutting the lead to 14, but Boston secures a 1‑0 record in East Group C, though Washington holds a slight edge in point differential.
Discover the history behind all NBA team names and their unique origins, from Celtics to Lakers and more.
Payton Pritchard answered head coach Joe Mazzulla’s challenge in Boston’s 125‑111 NBA Cup win over the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 30, 2026. After an offensive rebound and a third‑quarter three‑pointer, Pritchard finished with a game‑high 30 points, shooting 9‑of‑17 and a perfect 9‑for‑9 from the line. He also added two steals, three rebounds and an and‑one, showcasing the two‑way play Mazzulla demanded. The 6‑foot‑1 guard, a Sixth Man of the Year and recent $44.2 million contract extension, says the hug from Mazzulla was recognition of his expanded role, and the coach believes his sky’s‑the‑limit potential is still untapped.
The Chicago Bulls sit at 1-5 early in the 2026-27 season after a 112-98 loss to the Boston Celtics, but rookie fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson refuses to embrace defeat. Wilson led Chicago with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists, shooting 6‑of‑11 from three, and vowed to take ownership of the slump. He insists his mindset will help reshape the team under new coach Tiago Splitter, promising a competitive culture as the Bulls rebuild.
The Garden Report breaks down the Celtics’ fourth straight win as Boston opens NBA Cup play by beating the Bulls. Analysts spotlight Jayson Tatum’s evolving off‑ball game and his new shot‑selection, while Paul George’s playmaking fuels a potent two‑man combo that creates easier looks for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard enjoys a breakout performance, and the conversation turns to Mitchell Robinson’s uneven start, Neemias Queta’s role, and the impact of recent injuries on contenders. The show also revisits the Jaylen Brown‑Paul George trade, previews a tough November schedule, and features post‑game remarks from coach Joe Mazzulla and Pritchard.
The Bulls face a rocky start as head coach Tiago Splitter keeps former No. 4 pick Patrick Williams on the bench despite his $54 million contract and a recent quad recovery. Splitter praises Williams’s work ethic, and Williams remains confident his chance will come. Meanwhile, defensive wing Isaac Okoro is headed toward free agency next summer but says contract concerns won’t distract him from playing hard. The team’s woes were highlighted Friday’s NBA Cup loss in Boston, where Chicago surrendered 44 fourth‑quarter points and trailed by 29 at halftime. Rookie Caleb Wilson took ownership, vowing to lead a turnaround.
Klay Thompson ignites Miami with five 3‑pointers in the third quarter of a 145‑125 win over Indiana, finishing with 25 points as Giannis Antetokounmpo (31‑18‑10) and Bam Adebayo (27) lead the Heat to their second straight victory after an 0‑4 start. Orlando’s Anthony Black rebounds from a 30‑point loss, posting 17 points, 10 assists and a perfect three‑point night in a 121‑114 redemption win over Toronto, while Franz Wagner adds 26. Boston’s Jayson Tatum contributes 26 points and key screens in a 125‑110 triumph over the Bulls, prompting Bulls coach Tiago Splitter to praise the Celtics’ off‑ball play. The roundup highlights standout performances and key moments across the Heat, Magic and Celtics.
After swapping Jaylen Brown for Paul George, the Celtics are seeing unexpected returns. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praises George’s off‑court leadership, film‑room insight, and defensive hustle, calling his impact “beyond the offensive end.” In the NBA Cup opener, George logged 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists as Boston cruised to a 125‑111 win over Chicago, while Jayson Tatum added 26 points. Payton Pritchard’s 30 off the bench pushed the streak to four games. The veteran’s versatility and humility are already reshaping Boston’s locker room as they prepare for a matchup with Orlando.
It was a tale of two halves on Friday night. The Boston Celtics absolutely steamrolled the Chicago Bulls in the first two quarters. But they looked like a different team in the second half.
Before the Celtics' NBA Cup contest against the Bulls, Tony Dobbins shared a positive review of Mitchell Robinson's start to the season. Even if you disagree, patience is paramount.
Payton Pritchard leads the Boston Celtics past the Chicago Bulls 125-111 in their NBA Cup group‑play debut, extending the Celtics’ win streak to 4‑1. Jayson Tatum, Paul George and Mitchell Robinson also shine as Boston builds a 44-25 first‑quarter lead and finishes the half with 80 points, the season’s highest. The victory ties the Celtics with the Washington Wizards for the East Group C lead, with both teams 1‑0; tiebreakers will hinge on point differential (+14 for Boston, +16 for Washington). The Bulls miss Nic Claxton and Dailyn Swain, while Boston’s Devin Carter sits out with mononucleosis.
Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez explains why he promoted sophomore point guard Nolan Traore to the starting lineup after a 125-124 loss to the Boston Celtics. With the Nets ranking 24th in offensive rating and committing the league's fourth-most turnovers (18.7) through three games, Fernandez said Traore's steadier play and paint attacks would improve shot quality and reduce turnovers. Traore delivered 15 points, three assists and a 6-for-9 shooting night before a cramp forced him out, sparking a season‑high 50 three‑point attempts. The move also shifts veteran Keon Ellis and off‑ball specialist Egor Demin, who is now being reevaluated after a bone bruise, to the bench.
Entering their sixth game, the Philadelphia 76ers are already battling a wave of injuries that threatens their depth. Free‑agent Dean Wade missed the first three games with a sprained ankle, Jabari Walker is out after a knee injury, and Anfernee Simons missed training camp. Both LeBron James and Joel Embiid have sat for load‑management, and rookie VJ Edgecombe suffered an abdominal hit. New acquisition Jaylen Brown, averaging 20.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, was ruled out with left‑knee soreness, leaving Coach Nick Nurse unsure of a return timeline. With a tough road stretch ahead, the Sixers’ offense, still struggling to find rhythm and consistent shooting, hinges on regaining health.
The NBA Cup group stage kicks off tonight with the Chicago Bulls facing the Boston Celtics on a brand‑new court in Boston. The Celtics, the Bulls' toughest group opponent, thrashed Chicago last week and could pose an even bigger challenge. Chicago's lineup remains largely unchanged except for Dailyn Swain (out with back soreness); Jalen Smith, previously listed with a finger sprain, is now cleared to play. Follow the matchup and the latest injury updates as the Bulls aim to rebound.
The Boston Celtics face the Chicago Bulls Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 PM ET in TD Garden, kicking off NBA Cup group play in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics, fresh off a 134‑99 win on Monday (Payton Pritchard 28 points, Jayson Tatum 23), aim to extend their three‑game streak. The Bulls, led by Norman Powell’s 20 points in the loss, must tighten defense and shooting to avoid another blowout. The game airs on Chicago Sports Network and NBC Sports Boston and streams live on Fubo. Both teams compete in East Group C, adding cup implications to the showdown.