The Celtics boast a deep enough roster to win without Kristaps Porzingis. But they’ve missed their rehabbing big man in one important area this season: rim protection. Twelve games in, Boston ranks 18th in the NBA in blocks per game,

Before the opening night of the NBA Cup begins, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked what he would change about the format. Already having gone under plenty of change in 2024 from the debut season last year, Mazzulla said the biggest change he wishes for the Emirates NBA Cup would be to separate it from the 82-game regular season.

Before Boston's game against Atlanta, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about the tournament. Mazzulla said he's a fan of the NBA Cup, but had a few ideas for improving some of the rules. Dominique Wilkins dishes on going against Larry Bird, Boston Celtics in his prime https://t.co/UjMRnPSp7u pic.twitter.com/1dj0pM2CX7

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said he likes the idea of the NBA Cup, which is aimed at injecting more excitement and competitiveness into a traditionally dull section of the schedule. There’s one change he would make, however. He wants to see it turned into a true standalone tournament that is separate from the regular season.