Reporter makes bold Derrick White prediction for Celtics amid Jaylen Brown’s injury
The Boston Celtics have been the dominant team in the NBA's Eastern Conference, but a major change in the pecking order is likely considering the torn Achilles suffered by Jayson Tatum in last year's playoffs. Tatum is likely going to miss the entire season for the Celtics.
Additionally, fellow superstar forward Jaylen Brown could miss some time in the early part of the season as a result of a hamstring injury. Compared to Tatum, Brown's problem is not a serious injury, but he may not be at his peak when he is able to return to action.
The Celtics, who won the league's title two years ago, still have plenty of talent. Several players may take on new roles this season. Derrick White has been one of the team's most important all-around players because of his defense, passing and clutch long-distance shooting. He may fit into one of the team's scheme as a legitimate go-to scorer.
Celtics reporter Noa Dalzell suggested that White will move comfortably into his new role and will rise above his past scoring levels in the upcoming season. “I wouldn't be surprised if Derrick White's averaging 25 points a game, especially if Jaylen sidelined for the first few games of the season.”
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will be put to the test
Instead of having a dominating roster that regularly jumps all over opponents, the Celtics have to change the way they play the game. They are going to have to depend on hustle and defense if they want to remain a team that can hold its own in the Eastern Conference.
Once Brown is healthy, they should bare some resemblance to past Celtics teams, but players like White, Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons are going to have to make significant contributions or the team could sink like a stone.
Mazzulla is going to have to define new roles for all of his players and he is going to have to ensure his players understand and can follow the team's new game plan.
Lakers Find New Backcourt Spark Amid LeBron Injury
With LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined until at least mid-November, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick is turning to veteran guard Gabe Vincent
Redick offered a preview of his opening night starting lineup during Friday’s preseason finale against the Sacramento Kings
Vincent, who learned on Friday morning that he would start, capitalized on the opportunity with 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range, showing the kind of poise and perimeter efficiency that made him one of Redick’s most trusted guards this preseason.
Dončić Praises Vincent’s Fit in Starting Backcourt
Getty Lakers head coach JJ talks with Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent during a break.
After the game, Dončić praised Vincent’s shooting and defensive toughness, calling him an ideal complement in the backcourt.
“I always like playing with Gabe. His shooting is going to help me a lot,” Dončić said. “We have that connection — he made, what, four threes out of five? When he’s hot like that, we need to get him some more touches.”
Vincent, meanwhile, said playing alongside Dončić has already elevated his own game.
“You always have to have your hands ready,” Vincent said. “My hands were up a little more, waiting on it. He always tends to find you, but it was slightly different off the ball — just trying to be aggressive.”
The Lakers are currently listed as two-point underdogs at FanDuel Sportsbook, which offers a welcome bonus like Speedz, in their season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, but optimism remains high that Vincent’s play can help stabilize the rotation in James’ absence.
Redick: ‘There’s a Lot of Shooting Around Luka and DA’
Redick confirmed after the game that Vincent’s presence provides balance on both ends of the court — but stopped short of committing to any fixed rotation beyond opening night.
“I don’t know anything about who I’m going to be starting the rest of the season,” Redick said. “There are injuries, and things happen throughout the year. I have a pretty good idea who’s going to start Game 1. After that, I don’t know. But I do think in that lineup there’s a lot of shooting around Luka and DA, and Gabe is another ball handler, another tough defender.”
Vincent Finds Rhythm After Injury-Plagued Seasons
Since signing with Los Angeles away from the Miami Heat, Vincent’s first two seasons were marred by injuries. But the 29-year-old guard spent the long offseason focused on conditioning and consistency.
“Unfortunately, we had an early exit in the playoffs, and it’s been a long offseason,” Vincent said. “But I did what I could to take advantage of it — preparing my body and working on my game. I feel good about the start of the year for myself.”
That work has paid off. Vincent averaged 16.3 points on 55.6% three-point shooting in three preseason games while adding 3.0 assists, hitting double figures every time he suited up.
“First of all, it’s just a lot of work,” Vincent said of his hot shooting. “There have been a lot of shots made and a lot of shots missed behind the scenes. I’ve got a lot of trust in myself and a lot of confidence in what I’ve put forward.”
Lakers Banking on Vincent’s Two-Way Versatility
Dončić believes Vincent’s value goes well beyond offense.
“He brings that defensive intensity, too, so I think he’s going to help us a lot,” Dončić said.
Vincent’s two-way impact fits naturally alongside Reaves in the Lakers’ backcourt, with Dončić sliding into the frontcourt role normally anchored by James.
“I think I just bring what I’ve been doing since I’ve been here,” Vincent said. “Just defending at a high level, playmaking when I can, and spacing the floor while Luka and Austin are creating.”
As the Lakers prepare to open their 2025–26 NBA season, Vincent’s resurgence could be key to surviving the early stretch without LeBron — and establishing chemistry that carries deep into the season.
