Celtics name all but one starter for first preseason game against Charlotte

According to Brian Robb of Boston Sports Journal, the Boston Celtics only listed four starters for Monday’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets.

Robb also noted that Al Horford is listed as the starting center, and that the final spot to be announced is a forward. With Marcus Morris’ court case ongoing, he won’t likely be an option for Brad Stevens. Also, the purpose of starting Aron Baynes next to Horford was so that Al could play power forward. Since Horford is at the center position, you can really get creative with who you think will start this game.

Judging from what I’ve seen, possible starters at the other forward spot are Guerschon Yabusele, Semi Ojeleye, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Daniel Theis. There’s a good chance that the Celtics change up the starting lineup in each of their four preseason games so they get a look at every option before their opener in Cleveland. On the other hand, how cool would it be to see Yabusele or Ojeleye get time with the starters? Talk about getting those hype trains out of the station right away.

With the unprecedented change Boston’s roster has undergone this offseason, the starting lineup has been a major talking point in and around the organization. This could be a really smart move by Stevens to keep the rotation fluid as his team develops its on court chemistry.