Roughly two months in the past, the Celtics returned to the head of the basketball world. Roughly two months from now, they’ll start their quest to remain atop the mountain.
No group has repeated because the Warriors in 2017-18. It’s not straightforward, however that doesn’t imply it might’t be executed. This Celtics group is extra outfitted than most, given its expertise, chemistry and stability. Solely time will inform.
It’s an extended journey earlier than the playoffs, and it begins in October. The Celtics revealed their regular-season schedule Thursday, and there are numerous intriguing video games on the horizon.
Right here’s one individual’s opinion on the ten most compelling regular-season matchups. You’re entitled to your individual. Be at liberty to weigh in under. Which video games have you ever fired up?
(Honorable point out: Bucks, Rockets, Cavaliers, Warmth, Suns).
10) March 29, Spurs on the street
Victor Wembanyama is must-see TV. The person goes to win MVP someday within the not-so-distant future. He must also lead the Spurs to a title in some unspecified time in the future within the more-distant future. Regardless, he’s electrifying to observe, and any likelihood to take action is a deal with. Plus, Steph Curry and LeBron James will in all probability be on the Spurs by then (not truly).
9) Nov. 24, Timberwolves at dwelling
I nonetheless suppose the Nuggets are the perfect group within the West, however the hole is closing by the day. Jamal Murray regarded fairly human within the Olympics, whereas Anthony Edwards is getting extra deadly by the day. This might be a Finals preview.
8) Oct. 30, Pacers on the street
This can be a sneaky good one. The Celtics swept the Pacers, however the collection was fairly darn shut. Indiana might be fired up, and the house crowd might be loud. It wouldn’t shock me in any respect if the Pacers steal this one.
7) Dec. 7, Grizzlies at dwelling
It was pretty to see Celtics followers welcome Marcus Sensible again final 12 months, however watching him sit on the sideline was a bit anticlimactic. Hopefully he will get to play this time round. We are able to all collectively say “No! No! Sure! Oh wait…” when he rises up for a contested off-balance 3 and splashes it. Must be enjoyable.
TOP CELTICS SCHEDULE NOTES
Ring night time: 10/22 vs NYK
House on Xmas (PHI), NYE (TOR)
Cup dwelling gms: 11/12 (ATL), 11/19 (CLE)
✈️42k journey miles (East avg: 40k)
13 B2Bs (6=no journey)
Longest homestand: 13 days/7 gms
Longest journey: 11 days/6 gms
8 contemporary gms, 9 drained gms pic.twitter.com/LX6o4Cj2a6— Marc D’Amico (@Marc_DAmico) August 15, 2024
6) March 2, Nuggets at dwelling
The Celtics and Nuggets are the perfect groups within the NBA, and you’ll’t persuade me in any other case. I like watching these two go face to face. An everyday-season win isn’t crucial, however it might be a pleasant perk for the Celtics after Nikola Jokic Jokic-ed his technique to two in opposition to Boston final 12 months.
5) Jan. 23, Lakers on the street
Celtics-Lakers nonetheless delivers, each time. There’s nothing fairly prefer it in sports activities, and you’ll really feel the historical past each time they go face to face. Plus, I feel the Lakers will bounce again this 12 months and contend earlier than dropping to the Nuggets or Wolves within the Western Convention Semifinals. We will see.
4) Feb. 6, Mavericks at dwelling
You can argue the primary Celtics-Mavericks rematch might be extra compelling, however I’d personally go together with the matchup at TD Backyard. It’ll convey again some previous reminiscences. Nope, not Kyrie Irving ones. Bear in mind when the Celtics gained the championship on the Backyard? That was fairly an evening.
3) Nov. 6, Warriors at dwelling
Sure, the boos for Steve Kerr will echo all through TD Backyard. Who cares? However this can be a likelihood for Jayson Tatum to go off and show that he deserved higher. Tatum is simply too stylish to offer Kerr a glance, however hey, possibly he’ll get fiery within the warmth of the second.
2) Dec. 25, 76ers at dwelling
I can consider few issues higher for a younger child than opening up presents, having fun with time with family and friends, then watching the Celtics beat the 76ers on Christmas Day. The NBA’s executed a pleasant job ramping up the Christmas Day video games and making it really feel just like the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day. It’s a superb custom.
1) Oct. 22, Knicks at dwelling
The common season begins off with a bang (possibly even a Mike Breen “BANG!” if we’re fortunate). It is going to be an emotional night time, because the Celtics get their championship rings and the Knicks attempt to spoil the night. For my part, these are the 2 finest groups within the East. In the event that they each keep wholesome, I count on them to fulfill within the Jap Convention Finals. This might be fairly a preview.
