Joe Mazzulla Drops Surprising Truth About Preseason Games That Fans Didn’t Expect

Ever find yourself stuck in the endless limbo of NBA preseason games, wondering why we can’t just skip straight to the real deal? Well, you’re not alone—especially if you ask Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. The seasoned coach didn’t mince words when he backhandedly dismissed these exhibition matchups, calling them less than thrilling and suggesting he’d rather grind on the practice floor every single day instead. Sure, preseason games are little more than glorified scrimmages that clutter the calendar and eat up valuable practice time, but toss in budding talent eager for their shot, and suddenly these contests hold hidden value. Yet, with the Celtics nursing injuries and roster doubts, Mazzulla’s candid disdain for the preseason opens the door to a bigger question: how much do these games really shape a team’s fate when the stakes truly matter?

Boston Celtics Media Day — (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Most basketball fans watch NBA preseason games, mostly as a way to study their favorite players and get excited for the new year.

But the majority of people wish they could fast-forward through these games and just get to the regular season.

They aren’t alone, because Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla recently revealed that he also isn’t fond of the preseason.

“I’d rather have no preseason games and practice every day. I hate preseason games,” Mazzulla said.

Joe Mazzulla is not a fan of the preseason:

“I’d rather have no preseason games and practice every day. I hate preseason games.”

(via @ByJayKing) pic.twitter.com/tzNNQCu8JW

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 14, 2025

On one hand, it’s easy to see why Mazzulla feels this way.

Preseason games don’t add to the regular season track record, and they are essentially glorified scrimmages and workout sessions.

Plus, they require that teams travel across the country and take time away from the practice court, where they could be huddling, resting, and building more substantial plans.

However, they are important in certain ways because they create chemistry and give some up-and-coming players a chance to show off what they can do.

The preseason is a chance for certain young prospects to make an impact, giving Mazzulla and other coaches a better idea of what the entire roster can accomplish.

Many fans agree with Mazzulla, while others are just elated to get any kind of basketball after months without it.

But everyone agrees that these games don’t ultimately matter, although they can still be fun.

The Celtics are ready to get the regular season started because there are many questions about what’s coming.

With the injury to Jayson Tatum and the loss of multiple players, there are concerns that the Celtics are about to suffer a huge slip backward.

Mazzulla wants to show the team still has what it takes, but he needs to get through the preseason first.

The post Joe Mazzulla Has Honest Admission About Preseason Games appeared first on The Cold Wire.