Breaking down the Celtics schedule

We’ve all seen it by now. On Thursday, the NBA launched the Boston Celtics schedule for the 2024-25 NBA season.

Joe Mazzulla’s staff will start the brand new season with out Kristaps Porzingis, who continues to rehab following surgical procedure. An official timeline hasn’t been set for his return. Nonetheless, the frequent consensus appears to be late December or early January.

Outdoors of Porzingis, the Celtics are anticipated to enter the season at full energy. Baylor Scheierman is the one new face on the primary roster. He’ll undoubtedly combat to earn some enjoying time all through his rookie season however will face an uphill battle attempting to crack right into a championship-winning rotation.

The Celtics have favored continuity this summer time, a transfer that may possible pay dividends if everyone stays on the identical web page as final season.

With all that being mentioned, Boston’s possibilities of success will come all the way down to the inner improvement of the roster. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum can nonetheless add wrinkles to their sport. Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard are younger sufficient to proceed enhancing. Derrick White and Jrue Vacation might be a stronger duo in 12 months two.

You possibly can go down your entire roster and provides the explanation why the Celtics might be higher than final 12 months. I’m certain we’ll just do that in some unspecified time in the future within the useless of the offseason, however not at this time. At this time, I need to have a look at every month of the upcoming season so we are able to pick the important thing video games, potential traps, and underrated matchups.

October

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Key Dates:

The season formally begins on October 22. Two days earlier, I might have turned 37 years younger. I all the time love how the NBA provides me an superior present by beginning the season round my birthday.

Mazzulla’s staff will play 5 video games within the opening 10 days as they get eased into issues earlier than the schedule picks up tempo. Nonetheless, matchups in opposition to the Knicks, Bucks and Pacers will make sure that there’s no grace interval for the reigning NBA champions.

All three of these groups will come into the season believing they will problem for a championship. New York added Mikal Bridges this summer time, constructing on the addition of OG Anunoby final season. They are going to be one of many hardest groups within the East and can have a legit defensive id. Beating them on opening evening gained’t be straightforward.

I’ve nonetheless received my questions in regards to the Bucks. Sure, they added Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr. and Delon Wright throughout the summer time, however the greater questions on their roster proceed to linger. Can Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard determine it out? Can Brook Lopez proceed to anchor their protection? And can we ever see Khris Middleton bounce again to his finest?

Indiana is a enjoyable check. They play quick. They play arduous. They’re younger, hungry and gifted. They usually have a rating to settle following their Japanese Convention Finals loss.

In between these video games, Boston has journeys to Washington and Detroit. Each of these video games ought to finish in wins. The Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons are rebuilding groups. Boston needs to be recent sufficient to haven’t any concern over potential lure video games, and the journey shouldn’t be sufficient of an element right here, both.

Hardest sport: The Milwaukee Bucks. I really feel like they’ve essentially the most to show out of those 5 groups after their second straight first-round exit final season. They’ll have this sport circled on their calendar for certain.

November

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Key dates:

November is a difficult one. The Celtics have a complete of 14 video games in 30 days, with a superbly even break up of street and residential video games. In addition they have their NBA cup schedule sprinkled into the month, the place they may face the Atlanta Hawks, Cavaliers, Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls.

In case you missed it, Tim Sheils and I shared ideas on Boston’s favorable NBA Cup schedule earlier this week.

My first main sport of the month is the Nov. 6 matchup in opposition to the Warriors. Positive, the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals win will guarantee there’s some degree of elevated depth, however in reality, it’s as a result of this would be the first time Jayson Tatum faces off in opposition to Steve Kerr after his mistreatment throughout his time with Crew USA in Paris.

I need Tatum to have a monster evening. It doesn’t must be an explosive scoring efficiency, both…Actually, I believe I would favor a triple-double with one thing like 29 factors, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, simply to show that he’s able to a lot greater than standing within the nook.

Boston will face the Bucks for the second time on Nov. 10, and the end result of October’s sport will possible set the stage.

The Nov. 19 matchup in opposition to the Cavaliers (which can also be an NBA Cup sport) might be attention-grabbing. Will probably be the primary matchup between these two groups because the Japanese Convention semi-finals.

Cleveland might be a unique check than final season because of the arrival of Kenny Atkinson as their head coach. He’ll possible have them enjoying a extra offensive sport and will unlock the backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. That matchup gained’t be a stroll within the park for the Celtics.

Nonetheless, the hardest interval comes late within the month when the Celtics will face the Timberwolves and Clippers in a back-to-back on the TD Backyard.

Chris Finch’s staff is a real contender out West and can undoubtedly look to construct on their sturdy exhibiting final season. Anthony Edwards might be a stern check for Vacation and White, whereas it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how Mazzulla appears to govern the double-big pairing of Karl-Anthony Cities and Rudy Gobert.

Moreover, Ty Lue’s staff may even look totally different after the departure of Paul George. The Clippers have been lively this offseason, including 5 new faces to the rotation:

1. Mo Bamba
2. Nic Batum
3. Kris Dunn
4. Derrick Jones Jr.
5. Kevin Porter Jr.

I’m anticipating the Clippers to be a vastly improved defensive staff. If Kawhi Leonard can keep wholesome and step right into a (much more) closely featured position on offense, Lue’s staff might be a severe risk. The Clippers’ strikes this summer time have made them a much more balanced roster.

Hardest sport: I really feel like it will likely be in opposition to the Clippers. The Timberwolves might be a tricky check for Boston. Having to return again the following evening and face Lue’s roster, with some drained legs and sore muscle mass, might be an enormous check for the Celtics.

December

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Key Dates:

We additionally get a few firsts in December.

• First sport in opposition to the Warmth.
• First sport in opposition to the 76ers
• And the primary sport in opposition to the Orlando Magic

All three of these matchups are attention-grabbing, and all three might be powerful nights.

We additionally get Marcus Good’s (hopeful) return when the Memphis Grizzlies come to city on Dec. 7. I’m actually intrigued to see how a wholesome Grizzlies staff performs and the place Good suits inside that rotation.

Anyway, December begins off with a tricky week. The Celtics will go back-to-back in opposition to the Cavaliers and Warmth on the first and 2nd. There’s some journey concerned there, too. Boston might be on the street for his or her sport in opposition to the Cavs earlier than heading again house to face the Warmth.

A sport in opposition to Detroit is sandwiched between two off days earlier than one other back-to-back sees the Celtics face the Bucks for the third time and an attention-grabbing matchup in opposition to Memphis.

That second back-to-back is adopted by a decent-sized hole, throughout which the rest of the NBA Cup will play out in Las Vegas. I’m not going to touch upon that as a result of proper now, we don’t know the way issues will play out by way of scheduling and whether or not the Celtics might be making that journey.

As soon as the common schedule ramps again up, Paolo Banchero can have the chance to place his cash the place his mouth is after claiming the Magic have a shot at incomes the primary seed subsequent season throughout a current look on ESPN’s First Take.

“We really feel like we’re proper there,” Banchero mentioned. “We’re proper there with all these groups…We have been proper there final 12 months. We received higher this 12 months. I received higher. All of us received higher. We received some new items which can be gonna assist us lots. We’re attempting to make some noise. I believe we should always simply be a top-four, top-three staff and have an opportunity to win the East.”

After which, you might have the Christmas Day sport. The marquee matchup. Two rivals go head-to-head whereas we unbutton our pants, pour out some liquor and get into our comfiest chair to observe the sport. This might be Boston’s first check in opposition to the new-look Sixers. Our first style of what Paul George brings to Nick Nurse’s staff and whether or not his presence goes to assist bridge the hole between the 2 sides.

I’ve been vocal about my issues concerning the Sixers and their dedication to 2 injury-prone stars. In fact, that’s not likely our concern, however it may possibly definitely have an effect on the Celtics’ bid to repeat final season’s success.

Hardest sport: Christmas Day. The intense lights might be shining. The world might be watching. And the Sixers might be out to show their credentials as a real championship contender. The Celtics should deliver their A-game in the event that they need to benefit from the festivities to the fullest extent.

January

Key Dates:

Issues begin to warmth up in January. The Celtics have two separate West Coast street swings to take care of. They begin the month with street video games in opposition to the Timberwolves, Rockets, Thunder and Nuggets.

Each Oklahoma and Denver might be attention-grabbing checks for Boston. The 2 Western Convention standouts play vastly totally different types of basketball however proceed to be extremely profitable.

The Thunder is a younger, hungry and well-coached staff. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a top-10 participant, is main the cost. His tempo, processing velocity and scoring versatility might be a tricky check, particularly with Chet Holmgren spacing the ground. Happily for Boston, Porzingis needs to be again within the rotation by this level. How game-ready he’s and the kind of influence he’ll make stay to be seen.

Denver’s offseason has been considerably perplexing. Shedding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free company was an enormous blow. The actual fact the franchise has misplaced two high-level glue guys in two years has additionally raised some eyebrows. The addition of Russell Westbrook might make or break their probabilities this season.

As soon as the Celtics return to the East Coast, they may face the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans because the West Coast heads East. Each groups are spectacular in their very own manner and are younger sufficient that inner improvement might see them take one other leap.

I’m excited to see Zion Williamson in opposition to Boston’s protection. The Kings are all the time an attention-grabbing opponent in that they’re both going to get blown out or pressure the sport proper to the wire.

Later within the month, one other monster West Coast street will swing. The Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Mavericks will all be ready for the Celtics towards the tip of January as Mazzulla’s staff is compelled to run a gauntlet of potential NBA Finals opponents.

After all, the Lakers sport is the one that ought to have us all excited. Tatum will possible present up for each video games in Los Angeles, and Brown’s means to get sizzling early might be very important as we get our first style of a JJ Redick-led Purple and Gold roster.

Hardest sport: Lakers. Everyone knows why. And none of us would need it another manner.

February

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Key Dates:

• Feb. 2 + 20 vs. Sixers
• Feb. 6 vs. Mavericks
• Feb. 8 + 23 vs. Knicks
• Feb. 12 vs. San Antonio Spurs

February feels prefer it might drastically influence the place groups end towards the highest of the East. There are two video games in opposition to Philly, two in opposition to New York, and two in opposition to Cleveland. If Boston can discover a technique to come via all of these unscathed, their possibilities of securing the primary seed will take a serious step ahead.

I believe the Feb. 12 sport in opposition to the Spurs might be enjoyable. Victor Wembanyama might be coming to city proper earlier than the All-Star break. Often, groups start to take their foot off the gasoline forward of a much-needed recharging interval. Nonetheless, if Wemby is on the courtroom, the Celtics should deliver their A-game.

By now, Porzingis needs to be firmly again within the rotation and up-to-speed. That matchup in opposition to Wemby might be a battle of the Unicorns — a battle that Porzingis received the higher of final season.

Dallas might be heading again to the TD Backyard for the primary time because the NBA Finals. The hope is that Boston provides them one other beatdown and reminds them of the way it feels to lose in entrance of the Celtics fanbase earlier than sending them on their merry manner.

It’s additionally round this level within the season when the Warmth normally begins choosing up some steam. I’ve prevented mentioning them till this level. Nonetheless, if Jimmy Butler and co. have began to construct some momentum, they’re not a staff you may take evenly. After all, there are some questions in regards to the Warmth’s present roster building and whether or not they’re able to being a pressure within the East.

Nonetheless, if there’s one factor I do know, it’s which you could by no means rely out an Erik Spoelstra staff, no matter how sturdy or weak they appear on paper.

Two extra video games in opposition to the Sixers and Knicks may even be intriguing. We’re on the level the place each groups might be tweaking their strategy to attempt to discover some gaps within the Celtics’ protection and determine methods to sluggish them down. Assuming Porzingis (and the remainder of the roster is wholesome) this might be the primary time New York and Philly face a full-strength Boston staff — we might study lots in these video games.

I additionally assume that one in every of Boston’s most pivotal stretches begins within the remaining week of Feb and flows into March…

Hardest sport: Lakers. Everyone knows why. And none of us would need it another manner.

March

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Key Dates:

• March 2. vs. Denver
• March 6. vs. Philly
• March 8. vs. Lakers
• March 12. vs. OKC
• March 14. vs. Miami
• All the street swing March. 23 – 31

Shortly after the Celtics schedule was introduced on Thursday, Tim Sheils and I pinpointed March as a possible swing month. The schedule begins with some grueling video games in opposition to elite competitors, all of whom are playoff-level groups.

There’s a slight reprieve in the course of the month — no disrespect to Brooklyn. Earlier than heading out on the street for the ultimate West Coast journey of the season.

The rationale I believe this might be one of the necessary stretches for Boston is that there’s little or no room to get momentum again on observe if the Celtics instantly discover themselves on a shedding streak or the journey has slowed them down.

The ultimate 5 video games in March are an necessary pivot level. Happily, the worst street journey is already out of the best way. Nonetheless, a visit to Phoenix on March 26 might be attention-grabbing. The Suns have plugged their ball-handling hole this summer time, with Tyus Jones projected to be their beginning guard to start the season.

I’m curious how the Celtics will deal with enjoying in opposition to such a high-powered offense, particularly so late within the season. Hopefully, they flip up the defensive strain and shut down Mike Budenholzer’s offensive gameplan early and sometimes.

Hardest sport: Lakers. Everyone knows why. And none of us would need it another manner. A minimum of this time, it’s on house turf.

April

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Key Dates:

April. 2 vs. Miami

April. 4 vs. PHX

April. 13 vs. Charlotte

A pleasant quick run to the end line in April will see the Celtics play 5 house video games out of seven. Miami might be a tricky check this late within the season, particularly in the event that they’re combating for seeding.

Phoenix at house might be an attention-grabbing one, too. The ultimate two video games in opposition to Charlotte have to be approached with function. If seeding continues to be broad open, the Celtics can’t afford to fall into any lure video games. Charles Lee can have a younger and growing staff at his disposal, and his teaching ought to guarantee they’re a troublesome out for whoever they face (assuming everyone seems to be wholesome.).

Hardest sport: Miami at house. Spoelstra’s staff might be extremely motivated this late within the season, and that might make them a harmful opponent.

CelticsBlog graciously allowed this text to be cross-posted from my “Celtics Chronicle” e-newsletter.