State of the Celtics: Maine Building Momentum at Halfway Point

PORTLAND, Maine. - Currently on a three-game winning streak, the Maine Celtics are building momentum at the halfway point of the Regular Season.

With a 9-9 regular season record, Maine is currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings, but sits just a half game back of the Osceola Magic for the sixth and final playoff spot. The Celtics' record is also right at .500 when you factor in the Tip-Off Tournament, as Maine's overall record is 17-17 after Saturday's win over Birmingham. That victory marked the first three-game winning streak of the season for the Celtics.

Maine has faced one of the most rigorous schedules in the NBA G League. As of Monday, February 3, Maine has played 34 games throughout the Tip-Off Tournament and Regular Season, the most in the G League. 34 is five more games than the previously mentioned Osceola Magic (29) have played so far this season. During the Regular Season slate, the majority of the 18 games played have been at home in the Portland Expo. 11 of the 14 games played in the hectic month of January were at home in Maine. The Celtics are 7-6 during the Regular Season in games played at the Expo.

The Portland Expo has a reputation for its electric atmosphere and sellout crowds. That reputation has grown to new heights this season with the Celtics playing an unprecedented amount of overtime games. Maine has played six overtime games (Five Regular Season Contests) this season, with all of them taking place at home. Previously, the Celtics saw just one game go to OT in 2023-24, and played six total overtime games in the last three seasons combined. Overtime has not treated Maine well so far, with the Celtics going 1-5 in such games. Overall, Maine has lost four games by one point.

That said, with two months remaining in the NBA G League Regular Season, Maine has just four games left to go at the Expo. Maine will play two more games at home in the month of February on the 6th and 13th before hitting the road for nine consecutive games. The Celtics will return to the Portland Expo for their final two home games of the Regular Season on March 20 against Osceola and on March 23 against Delaware. The Regular Season concludes on March 26 at Westchester. Overall, 12 out of 16 remaining games will be on the road.

The Celtics are 7-1 this season when they score 120 points or more, and are also 7-1 when they hold their opponent under 100 points. Rebounding has also been a key factor for Maine, with the Celtics going 8-2 in games where they have outrebounded their opponent. Getting out to a strong start has been important as well this season, with Maine going 11-3 in games in which they've held the lead at halftime.

Maine is among the league leaders of the G League in multiple statistical categories. The Celtics are fourth in three-point shots made per game (14.5) and sixth in attempts (41.9). Boston Celtics assignee Baylor Scheierman is first in three-point field goals made, knocking down 58 of 142 (40.8%) shots from deep in 14 regular season games. All season long, Maine has been one of the top teams in the league in turnovers. On average, the Celtics turn the ball over just under 15 times a game, which ranks third. Maine is also sixth in blocks with over six per contest.

Since the start of the regular season, roster transactions have also been a key story for the Celtics. Ron Harper Jr. became the 22nd NBA Call-Up in franchise history when he agreed to a Two-Way Player Contract with the Detroit Pistons. Dmytro Skapintsev, Eric Gaines, and London Johnson also departed in separate transactions. Joining Maine during the regular season was DJ Rodman, Kameron Warrens, Juwan Evans, and James Banks III.

Rodman and Banks III have proven to be key acquisitions for the Celtics. Since arriving in Portland, Rodman has posted new career highs of 20 points and 17 rebounds. Overall, the rookie out of USC has started in nine out of 13 games for the Celtics, averaging 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on 48.8% shooting from deep. He's also bolstered Maine's defense, recording one steal a game along with countless other key hustle plays. Banks III, a former Maine Celtic, has created stability in Maine's starting lineup and defense since rejoining the team in 2025. Banks III has started in all five games he's appeared in, recording 1.4 blocks per game.

In addition to roster moves, Two-Way Player Drew Peterson has played the most NBA games of his career. Peterson has suited up for the Boston Celtics in 13 games in 2024-25, and just 14 games for the Maine Celtics. When with Maine, Peterson has averaged 16.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Providing a steady presence for Maine has been fellow Two-Way Players JD Davison and Anton Watson. Both Davison and Watson have played in 32 of 34 total games for Maine this season. In his third year with the Celtics organization, Davison has secured his spot as one of the all-time greats in Maine franchise history. Davison has become the all-time leader in scoring, assists, steals, and games played. This season, Davison has proven why he's one of the top playmakers in the G League, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Davison has consistently ranked in the top-10 among G League players in points and assists per game. He's scored 40 points or more in a game twice this season, including a career-high 46 points against College Park on December 4. Most recently, Davison was chosen to participate in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge as part of the 7-player G League team.

Both Davison and Watson have played in 32 of 34 total games for Maine this season. In his rookie season with the Celtics, Watson is averaging 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

The Maine Celtics are back at the Portland Expo on February 6 against the Delaware Blue Coats. Tip-off on Thursday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the game will broadcast live on ESPN+ and NBC Sports Boston.