Celtics Nation, get ready for another night of basketball in Boston! The Boston Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in an NBA preseason matchup at TD Garden. With the regular season approaching, both teams have another opportunity to sharpen their rotations, build chemistry, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
This is preseason basketball, so the focus goes beyond the final score. Coaches will be evaluating combinations, players will be competing for roles, and fans will get another look at how their teams are coming together before the games begin to count in the standings.
The Celtics’ official schedule and TD Garden’s event listing confirm the matchup for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
🔥 What to Watch: Boston’s Preseason Test
For Boston, the matchup provides another chance to work on offensive timing, defensive communication, and lineup combinations before the regular season begins. The Celtics will want to build rhythm without losing sight of the bigger objective: entering the regular season healthy, prepared, and confident.
The Hornets, meanwhile, will look to make the most of their opportunity against an established Eastern Conference opponent. Preseason games give younger players and newcomers valuable minutes, while coaches can evaluate how different combinations perform against live competition.
Charlotte’s ability to defend the perimeter, control rebounds, and take care of the basketball will be worth watching. Even without regular-season standings points on the line, a strong performance can help establish confidence ahead of opening night.
📺 Celtics vs. Hornets: How to Watch
Here are the confirmed game details:
- Matchup: Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
- TV channel: NBC Sports Boston
- Streaming: NBC Sports app
- Radio: Select preseason games are available on 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Celtics announced that all four of their 2026 preseason games will be televised on NBC Sports Boston and streamed through the NBC Sports app. Streaming access may require a qualifying subscription or participating TV-provider login.
International viewers should check the NBA’s official How to Watch guide or the NBA app for broadcast options available in their region.
☘️ The Countdown to Opening Night Continues
The Celtics and Hornets are still preparing for the games that will shape their seasons, but Wednesday’s matchup offers another opportunity to build momentum. Boston will have the home crowd behind it, while Charlotte will be eager to deliver a competitive performance on the road.
For Celtics Nation, the excitement is about seeing the team come together and getting another glimpse of the basketball ahead. For Hornets fans, it is a chance to see how Charlotte measures up against a familiar conference rival.
Mark your calendar: Celtics vs. Hornets, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The preseason spotlight returns to TD Garden, and basketball fans can get ready for another night of NBA action. ☘️🏀