Payton Pritchard will open the 2025-26 season in the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup.

A source confirmed to Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com on Thursday that the Celtics intend to start Pritchard alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White while using Anfernee Simons as “a high-scoring option off the bench” if he stays on the roster.

Afseth reported the organization views Pritchard’s “steady development, system familiarity, and ability to handle greater responsibilities” as key reasons for the move.

The move follows a turbulent offseason that began with Jayson Tatum suffering an Achilles injury in the playoffs, an injury expected to sideline him for the entire year. Boston also dealt Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in salary-shedding trades.

Holiday was sent to Portland for Simo

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