Roughly two months in the past, the Celtics returned to the top of the basketball world. Roughly two months from now, they’ll start their quest to remain atop the mountain.
No crew has repeated because the Warriors in 2017-18. It’s not straightforward, however that doesn’t imply it may’t be accomplished. This Celtics crew is extra outfitted than most, given its expertise, chemistry and stability. Solely time will inform.
It’s a protracted 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 personal. Be at liberty to weigh in beneath. 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 also needs to lead the Spurs to a title sooner or later within the more-distant future. Regardless, he’s electrifying to observe, and any probability to take action is a deal with. Plus, Steph Curry and LeBron James will most likely be on the Spurs by then (not really).
9) Nov. 24, Timberwolves at house
I nonetheless suppose the Nuggets are the perfect crew within the West, however the hole is closing by the day. Jamal Murray appeared fairly human within the Olympics, whereas Anthony Edwards is getting extra deadly by the day. This could possibly be a Finals preview.
8) Oct. 30, Pacers on the street
It is a sneaky good one. The Celtics swept the Pacers, however the collection was fairly darn shut. Indiana will probably be fired up, and the house crowd will probably be loud. It wouldn’t shock me in any respect if the Pacers steal this one.
7) Dec. 7, Grizzlies at house
It was beautiful to see Celtics followers welcome Marcus Good 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. Needs to be enjoyable.
TOP CELTICS SCHEDULE NOTESRing night time: 10/22 vs NYKHome on Xmas (PHI), NYE (TOR)Cup house gms: 11/12 (ATL), 11/19 (CLE)✈️42k journey miles (East avg: 40k)13 B2Bs (6=no journey)Longest homestand: 13 days/7 gmsLongest journey: 11 days/6 gms8 recent gms, 9 drained gms pic.twitter.com/LX6o4Cj2a6
— Marc D’Amico (@Marc_DAmico) August 15, 2024
6) March 2, Nuggets at house
The Celtics and Nuggets are the perfect groups within the NBA, and you may’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 could be a pleasant perk for the Celtics after Nikola Jokic Jokic-ed his strategy 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 may really feel the historical past each time they go face to face. Plus, I believe 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 house
You possibly can argue the primary Celtics-Mavericks rematch will probably be extra compelling, however I’d personally go along with the matchup at TD Backyard. It’ll carry again some outdated 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 house
Sure, the boos for Steve Kerr will echo all through TD Backyard. Who cares? However this can be a probability for Jayson Tatum to go off and show that he deserved higher. Tatum is just too stylish to present Kerr a glance, however hey, possibly he’ll get fiery within the warmth of the second.
2) Dec. 25, 76ers at house
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 accomplished 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 house
The common season begins off with a bang (possibly even a Mike Breen “BANG!” if we’re fortunate). It will likely be an emotional night time, because the Celtics get their championship rings and the Knicks attempt to spoil the night. In my view, these are the 2 finest groups within the East. In the event that they each keep wholesome, I count on them to satisfy within the Jap Convention Finals. This could possibly be fairly a preview.
