Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is taking a logical approach to the team's early-season frustrations. At 4-6, the Celtics are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings, and though there are 72 games to play in the regular season, some fans are already wondering if this team will be able to absorb the losses of Jayson Tatum (injury), Kristaps Porzingis (trade) and Jrue Holliday (trade).

As relayed by Noa Dalzell of CLNS Media, Pritchard is trying to focus on growth in short spurts.

“You could look at the season and it could be completely different if we won two games that were supposed to — Opening Night and against Utah, and then we’re sitting, what 6-4? A lot of people would be looking at it a lot different. But it’s the first 10 games. Now, we got another set of another 10 games. Can we make progress each 10 games and keep getting better and better? That’s the outlook we’re looking at.”

This is how professionals have to look at it

While fans will always focus on the big picture, the players are always looking at what's right in front of them. Part of the reason that they got to be so good is because of the ability to remain disciplined and not get too far ahead of themselves. Pritchard's comments are a reflection of that "be present" mindset.

It's a sign of Pritchard's growth

A few years ago, Pritchard wanted to be traded because he wasn't getting the kind of time he wanted in Boston. Now? He's spoken like a true veteran and a leader.

And in the absence of Tatum, Porzingis, Holliday and Al Horford, his leadership is needed. For now, it's very clear that the Celtics are being led by Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Pritchard.

Now in his sixth season, Pritchard is averaging 16.5 ppg on 44.2 percent shooting from the floor, though he's just 26.7 percent from three. He was the Sixth Man of the Year in 2024-25.

What's next

The Celtics will kick off the next set of 10 games by playing the Orlando Magic for the second consecutive game, which will be Sunday night at 6 p.m. ET. Friday's 123-110 loss was part of the NBA's 'in-season tournament,' while this is just a traditional contest.

It will be played in Orlando, with the Celtics then taking on the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

News and notes

As noted by Adam Taylor, the Celtics are struggling to convert turnovers into points. If they can improve that, some of these close losses could start going the other way.