Joe Mazzulla is incredibly intense and obsessed with winning, but the Celtics might face some early bumps without Kristaps Porzingis. They might also start the season limiting the minutes of his core players, but does Mazzulla have the discipline to do so if it means a few more losses early in the year? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses that, why the bench is so important, and the conversation they need to have with Tatum especially to make Joe's life easier.

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We continue our look at Celtics camp questions by looking at the defensive side of things. Can the Celtics defense stay at an elite level without Porzingis to start the season? How far can it drop and Boston still be OK? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm dig into it and look at how the defense might look different, and why the offense might just be good enough for it not to matter a whole lot.

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The Celtics hope to repeat as NBA champions this season, but doing so will be even tougher than winning their first championship. Are Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown ready to lead a team that just won a championship? How will they handle the trappings of success and try to stay hungry enough to win it all again? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss how that might look in the locker room, in practice, and in games.

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The internet was abuzz with Joe Mazzulla being ranked in the middle of the pack of NBA coaches, which continues a pattern of overlooking Boston's accomplishments. Why is he being penalized for things other coaches are getting credit for? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into that before dipping into the mailbag for questions about skill versus luck in repeating, Sam Hauser regressing, team ownership, Jayson Tatum's career points prediction, and more.

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A new report suggests the Celtics are being sold because Wyc Grousbeck spent too much of the family's money on Boston's championship roster. Is family drama really at the heart of the Celtics being sold? What does this mean moving forward? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal discusses this New York Post report and why this season really could be the last with this core.

Gametime
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FanDuel
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The Celtics are the clear favorites to repeat next year and there isn't much reason to expect them to take any steps back, but is there a chance any of them will regress next year? If anyone does, who are the prime candidates? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss guys like Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White to look at what the odds are that a Celtic slides a little from last season.

BetterHelp
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Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

We open up the mailbag (JohnKaralis.com/mailbag) to look at whether the Celtics should have any fear of Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic. Also, which Celtics might have a chance to really surprise us this season? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into that, former Celtics at ring night, Joe Mazzulla vs. Kyrie Irving, a weird quirk with Tommy Heinsohn's number, and the loudest (and saddest) moments at TD Garden.

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

After spending a few days digesting everything Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said in his exclusive podcast interview last week, we look at his mentality, why it's totally expected for him to be a little off, and why his obsession with things like the animal kingdom actually make perfect sense. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss all that and why the bottom line is that Mazzulla cares a lot about basketball, his team, and winning.

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)