Apparently, the 2021 Boston Celtics are night owls. Or, at least, they don't like playing in the early afternoon.
So far this season, the C's have played in four games with start times of 3 p.m. ET or earlier. They hold a 1-3 record in those contests and have largely struggled during them.
Though the Celtics won their first matinee of the season -- a 122-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons on New Year's Day -- their last three day games have been nothing short of awful. They haven't scored more than 91 points in any of those outings and haven't shot well at all.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Here's a look at their stats in those three losses:
| Shooting % | 33.7 |
| Opponent PPG | 103 |
| Celtics PPG | 85.7 |
Obviously, those numbers are a massive concern. If the team wants to stay in contention in the Eastern Conference, they're going to have to improve during afternoon games.
The Celtics have one 3:30 p.m. ET start against the New Orleans Pelicans left in the first half of the season next Sunday, Feb. 21. That will be the team's last chance to right the ship before the All-Star Break.
Boston Celtics
However, the team doesn't just need to right the ship in afternoon games. Sunday games have generally been a struggle for the team as well, and they have posted just a 2-4 record on Sundays in total.
Granted, a couple of those losses came against good teams, the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns. But the losses to the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards are certainly concerning and highlight the consistency issues that the team has dealt with this season.
Their lacking consistency is playing a big role in their recent struggles. After starting the season strong, the Celtics have declined significantly over their last 15 games.
Though they have been without several key players and went on a five-game west-coast road trip during that span, the team still needs to step up soon. Whether that involves the players on the squad regaining their early-season form or Danny Ainge shaking up the roster, the team needs to change how they're playing.
Be it in early afternoon games, on Sundays, or on a nightly basis, the C's need to do something. Otherwise, they'll risk dropping below .500 and continuing to trend in the wrong direction as the NBA season goes on.