Haliburton identifies Celtics as key contenders for 2026-27 NBA title
Tyrese Haliburton lists six teams with championship aspirations as the league prepares for the upcoming season following a turbulent period for the reigning champions.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has identified the Boston Celtics as one of several teams capable of winning the NBA championship in the 2026-27 season. Haliburton, who missed the previous season recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals, listed the Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, and his own Pacers as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics won their 18th title in 2024 but have experienced fluctuations since. Haliburton’s assessment comes as the league looks toward a season described as particularly tight and unpredictable, with several teams undergoing significant roster changes.
Haliburton provided the list of potential contenders in comments reported by Legion Hoops. He stated that Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Miami, Detroit, and the Pacers all have the opportunity to become champions. The Pacers guard is set to return to action this fall after recovering from the injury he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The Celtics defeated the Pacers in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, sweeping the series 4-0. That victory marked Boston’s 18th franchise championship, secured at TD Garden. Since that triumph, the organisation has faced ups and downs, prompting Haliburton to suggest that the Eastern Conference landscape has shifted significantly.
Reports indicate that Paul George has recently joined the Celtics, with encouraging comments made ahead of his first season with the team. Haliburton believes the East is wide open, noting that no single team is likely to run away with a lead in the standings due to the competitive balance and new rotations across the conference.
