The tip-off: previewing the Maine Celtics 2026-27 season
Photo courtesy of the Maine Celtics
They're making a run for it again. Well, they're already running up and down the court, I guess. But starting Friday, Nov. 6, the Maine Celtics will be looking to make a run towards their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
The team is heading into this season with fire after their first-round loss to the eventual 2025-'26 league champions, the Greensboro Swarm. Coach Phil Pressey and his squad are ready to hit the court on opening night against the Westchester Knicks at the Portland Expo Center.
For those who haven't been following the team up to the final buzzer, here's all you need to get caught up before tip-off.
The 2026-27 schedule was just recently announced
The "two-for-one" schedule
Unlike the majors, the NBA G League is split into two parts, with an in-season tournament tucked in the middle. The teams will play 14 games ahead of the Tip-Off tournament, in which one team wins a championship during the 2026 NBA G League Winter Showcase in Orlando from Dec. 19 through Dec. 22. After the event, each team's record will reset, leveling the playing field once more for teams to battle toward the traditional NBA G League Playoffs in early spring.
The split season may sound unorthodox, but it gives fans a rush as teams fight for dominance in the 2026 tournament. Win or lose, the teams take a step back, evaluate how the first third of the season went, and come back with fresh plays and performances.
A New Year's Eve tradition
Every year, the Maine Celtics host their New Year's Eve game at Hadlock. This year, tip-off starts at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, against the Motor City Cruise, who ended the 2025-'26 season ahead of the C's in the standings by four games. The New Year's Eve game is part of a lengthy home-court run the team has between late December and early January. In fact, out of the 50 regular season games, Maine will be at the Expo for 24 of them.
Family business
Many of us have become used to rearranging our schedules, finding babysitters, and faking illnesses to take work off so we can travel to Boston for the Celtics' regular night games. But not only is the Portland Expo much easier and quicker to travel to, but the Maine Celtics also have 10 games that start in the afternoon. This allows families to enjoy live basketball without anyone missing nap time (that includes adults).
Up-and-comers and stars share the court
The team (formerly known as the Maine Red Claws) has been affiliated with the Boston Celtics since the 2009-10 season. In that time, 26 players on the Pine State squad have received the Gatorade Call-ups to the NBA, four of whom became staples at TD Garden. These hungry players bring their best every night for a chance to make it to the big leagues, and as minor league fans, we get to see future stars in the making.
Conversely, the team is also a hub for Boston players to develop or rehab. In the past, at least 37 players have been assigned to Maine's practice sessions, including Jayson Tatum and recent rookies Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams. Even the sidelines staff gets their shot at the main stage. Throughout their existence, 14 former Maine coaches have been called up to the NBA, including Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla.
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