The NBA is formally again on October 22 with the Boston Celtics opening the common season in opposition to the New York Knicks in response to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Final 12 months, the Celtics performed the Knicks at Madison Sq. Backyard to kick off their marketing campaign whereas this season New York can be taking a visit to TD Backyard. The sport can be broadcast on TNT.
Boston and New York are the primary recreation of a gap night time doubleheader. The second recreation can be Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves touring to Los Angeles to face LeBron James and the Lakers.
The Knicks and Celtics squared off 4 instances (5 if you happen to rely preseason) final 12 months with Boston successful three of the 4 regular-season matchups. The lone Knicks victory was again in April the place New York led by over 30 factors and narrowly prevented defeat after a Boston comeback successful 118-109.
After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in 5 video games to earn Banner 18, the Celtics can be receiving their championship rings on opening night time. The matchup in opposition to the Knicks is an interesting one because the Knicks had a strong offseason choosing up the likes of Mikal Bridges from the Nets whereas re-signing/extending the likes of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. The speak all offseason has been the Knicks at the moment are the staff which are almost certainly outfitted to take down the defending champions.
Knicks duo Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson talked on a podcast about what it’ll take to dethrone Boston and could have the earliest alternative to get a have a look at the newly topped champions.
The Celtics devoted their offseason assets to re-signing/extending the likes of Luke Kornet, Derrick White, Xavier Tillman, Jayson Tatum, and drafting Baylor Scheierman. Boston will enter the season as one of many favorites to raise the Larry O’Brien trophy on the finish of the 12 months. Tatum, White, and Jrue Vacation are all coming off an Olympic gold medal with Workforce USA to conclude their summer time of successful and after just a few weeks of leisure can be again within the lab to organize to do one thing that hasn’t been finished for the reason that Golden State Warriors achieved the feat in 2017 and 2018.
Shams additionally reported that the Finals rematch will happen in 2025 with the Mavs internet hosting the primary recreation on January 25. The Mavs will make their journey again to Boston on February 6.
