Honestly, trying to keep track of the NBA calendar feels like a full-time job lately. If you're wondering when is the next Celtics game, you aren't alone. The Boston Celtics are currently navigating a brutal mid-January stretch that has them bouncing all over the Eastern Conference.
The short answer? The Celtics play the Detroit Pistons next. That game is happening on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. It’s a road game at Little Caesars Arena, so don't show up at TD Garden expecting to see Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
What’s interesting about this specific matchup is the timing. It’s an MLK Day game, which always carries a bit more weight in the league’s schedule. But for the Cs, it’s also the middle of a messy road-and-home shuffle that has fans checking their calendar apps every twelve hours.
When is the Next Celtics Game? A Look at the Upcoming Slate
After that Detroit trip, things get a little more comfortable for the home crowd. They head back to Boston for a date with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, January 21. If you're a season ticket holder or just looking for a reason to head to the Garden, that 7:30 PM tip-off is your first chance to see them back in the city this week.
But don't get too settled. They immediately hit the road again for New York and Chicago. It’s that classic January "slog" where the injury report starts looking as long as the active roster.
The Immediate Schedule (January 2026)
- At Detroit Pistons: Monday, Jan 19 @ 8:00 PM ET (NBC/Peacock)
- Vs. Indiana Pacers: Wednesday, Jan 21 @ 7:30 PM ET (NBC Sports Boston)
- At Brooklyn Nets: Friday, Jan 23 @ 7:30 PM ET (NBC Sports Boston)
- At Chicago Bulls: Saturday, Jan 24 @ 8:00 PM ET (NBC Sports Boston)
- Vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Monday, Jan 26 @ 8:00 PM ET (Peacock)
See what I mean? It’s a back-to-back over the weekend followed by a Monday night game. That is a lot of basketball in a very short window.
The Jaylen Brown Factor and the "New" Celtics
One thing that has definitely changed the vibe of these "when is the next Celtics game" searches is the roster turnover and injury luck this year. Jaylen Brown has been absolutely on fire. Just look at what he did to the Hawks on the 17th—dropping 41 points and basically flexing on the entire city of Atlanta.
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But there’s a massive elephant in the room: Jayson Tatum. With Tatum dealing with significant injury time this season, the weight on Brown’s shoulders is massive. He’s averaging nearly 28 points a game.
Then you've got Sam Hauser. The guy went 10-of-10 from three recently? Okay, maybe not literally every game, but he’s been hitting a career-high clip that is keeping the Celtics afloat while the stars heal up. It’s weird seeing them without the full "Double Jays" powerhouse, but it’s forced guys like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to step into roles we haven't seen them play before.
Why the Pistons Game Matters (Even if they're the Pistons)
Look, Detroit isn't exactly the '96 Bulls. But in the 2025-26 season, "trap games" are real. Boston enters this stretch with a 25-15 record (give or take a game depending on the night). They’re fighting for a top-three seed in the East, and every loss to a sub-.500 team is a nightmare when the playoffs roll around.
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The Pistons game is also being broadcast on NBC/Peacock, which means a bigger audience and more scrutiny. People are watching to see if Boston can maintain their defensive identity without their full frontcourt.
Where to Watch the Celtics Next
If you’re trying to catch the game, the local broadcast is still your best bet for most of these. NBC Sports Boston handles the bulk of the heavy lifting. However, the NBA's push toward streaming is very real.
- Monday (Detroit): This one is a national-ish look on NBC and Peacock.
- Wednesday (Indiana): Back to the local roots on NBCSB.
- The Road Trip: The Nets and Bulls games are usually local, but check your League Pass if you're out of market.
It's sorta annoying how many apps you need now just to watch a single team, but that’s the "modern landscape" everyone keeps talking about.
Scouting the Competition: Who’s Coming Up?
After the Pistons, the Indiana Pacers come to town. Indiana has been a thorn in Boston’s side for a while. Even without Tyrese Haliburton (who’s been dealing with a brutal ACL recovery), Pascal Siakam has been a one-man wrecking crew.
Then there’s the Portland Trail Blazers game on January 26th. That one is a "Circle the Date" game for a lot of fans because of the reunions. Seeing Jrue Holiday in a Blazers jersey again? It’s going to be emotional for the TD Garden crowd.
Actionable Steps for Celtics Fans
Don't just wait for the notification to pop up on your phone. If you're serious about following this stretch, here is what you actually need to do to stay ahead:
- Check the Injury Report 90 Minutes Before Tip: With Tatum out and Brown carrying a heavy load, the "Questionable" tag is your worst enemy. Use the official NBA Injury Report site; it’s updated hourly.
- Sync Your Calendar: If you use Google Calendar or iCal, the Celtics' official site has a "Sync Schedule" button. It’s way better than googling it every two days.
- Watch the Standings: The East is tight. Miami and Milwaukee are breathing down Boston's neck. A win in Detroit isn't just a win; it’s a necessary buffer before the schedule gets even harder in February.
The next few weeks will define whether this team is a legit contender without their full roster or just a very good team waiting for a savior. Grab your lucky jersey; it's going to be a long month.