Boston's October 29 results run from lopsided losses before championships to quiet wins before banners. The history argues for patience with a 3-1 start and with a second look at a Chicago team Boston beat 134-99.
Early-season routs have pointed both ways in this franchise's history.
On this date in 1966, Bill Russell's first year as player-coach, Boston lost 138-96 at Philadelphia. On the same date in 1960, the Philadelphia Warriors won 131-103 in Boston. Neither score described its era. Those Celtics won eight straight championships from 1959 to 1966, and Russell's teams added titles in 1968 and 1969. One October scoreline is one night of evidence.
The October wins that came before banners were quiet ones.
On October 29, 1980, Boston won 103-85 at Detroit, and that season ended with the 1981 title and Maxwell as Finals MVP. Three years later to the day, the Celtics won 108-89 at Cleveland, and K. C. Jones coached that group to the 1984 championship. Last year's October 29 was a 125-105 win over Cleveland, and that season ended in the first round against Philadelphia after Boston had led the series 3-1. A good October night is necessary but not sufficient.
Friday's rematch tests a margin Chicago has done little to dispute.
Boston beat the Bulls 134-99 on October 26, and Pritchard scored 28. Chicago has since lost three straight and carries a -15.9 net rating against Boston's 8.6. Patrick Williams and Nic Claxton are out, and Tobe Awaka is day-to-day. The Bulls play at a 107.4 pace to Boston's 100.0, and Norman Powell at 21.6 points and Caleb Wilson at 20.8 carry their scoring. Boston has two days of rest and Chicago has one. The first game proved Chicago's defense can be broken. It did not prove how often.
The Philadelphia thread runs from 1966 to this roster.
The 76ers ended Boston's last season, then took Jaylen Brown in the trade that brought George to Boston. Over 35 games and 200 minutes last season, a five-man unit of Brown, White, Queta, Pritchard and Hauser posted a +17.9 net rating. Four of those five are still here. Tatum is averaging 28.0 points while making 24.1 percent of his threes, and Boston has won three straight anyway. Russell's 1966 team lost to Philadelphia by a wide margin in October and still had banners ahead. This team has the opposite problem: early wins, and no proof yet that they will hold.
When do the Celtics play the Bulls again?
Boston hosts Chicago on Friday, October 30, in an Emirates NBA Cup game. The Celtics won the first meeting 134-99 on October 26.
How have the Celtics done on October 29 in past seasons?
Boston won on this date in 1980, 1983, 2003 and 2025, and lost in 1960 and 1966. The 1980 and 1983 teams both went on to win championships.
