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Rookies Ready: Celtics Face Raptors in Summer League Opener
11 Jul
Summary
- Both teams feature rosters heavily comprised of rookies.
- Coaching staffs include former players and experienced assistants.
- Key players to watch for Celtics include Hugo Gonzalez and Chris Cenac Jr.
The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors will tip off their Summer League seasons on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Cox Pavilion. This marks the first Summer League game for both franchises, as neither participated in previous tournaments.
The Raptors are scheduled for a back-to-back, facing the Houston Rockets on Saturday, while the Celtics will not play again until Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets.
Both rosters are largely composed of rookies, with a handful of players possessing one year of NBA experience. The Celtics' coaching duties fall to Amile Jefferson, who has prior experience as an assistant coach for the parent club. The Raptors are led by Ivo Simovic, also an assistant coach for their NBA team, who brings international and collegiate coaching experience.
Key players for the Celtics include Hugo Gonzalez, who reportedly was a key part of a denied trade package, and Chris Cenac Jr., a highly recruited center. For the Raptors, Collin Murray-Boyles, who had a strong rookie season, and Allen Graves, a defense-first player, are expected to draw attention.
