Celtics make big starting lineup change ahead of Mavericks game

The move comes just hours after Anfernee Simons was reportedly traded to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic has yet to join the Celtics. Simons was averaging 14.2 points and shooting 39.5% from three for the Celtics.

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Pritchard coming off the bench means that the Celtics’ second unit will have a primary shot creator in place of Simons, who didn’t miss a game all season for the Celtics. Pritchard has been the Celtics’ third-leading scorer this season, averaging 16.8 points and 5.3 assists. Last year, he excelled in a sixth-man role, averaging 14.3 points per game and shooting 40.7% from three.

Whether Tuesday’s game is any indication of where things are headed for Pritchard remains to be seen; the Celtics guard was a perennial bench player before this season, but has been Mazzulla’s preferred choice at point guard alongside Derrick White.

Baylor Scheierman continues to get increased opportunities

Scheierman most recently started last Friday against the Sacramento Kings, and tallied 16 points on 6-10 shooting. On the season, he’s averaging 3.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game. He has started 4 games this season, and is shooting 41% from the three.

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Joe Mazzulla has routinely praised Scheierman’s growth on the defensive end.

“His growth is more about his defensive versatility,” Mazzulla said last month. “He has the confidence to play on the offensive end… his continued growth in defensive physicality and in the system is where he’s built a level of trust.”

For the Mavericks, Max Christie, Nnaji Marshall, Caleb Martin, Daniel Gafford, and Cooper Flag will start.