Rating the ten most compelling regular-season video games on the Celtics’ schedule

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 simple, however that doesn’t imply it could possibly’t be completed. This Celtics crew is extra geared up than most, given its expertise, chemistry and steadiness. 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 lots of intriguing video games on the horizon.

Right here’s one particular person’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 highway

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 look at, and any likelihood to take action is a deal with. Plus, Steph Curry and LeBron James will most likely be on the Spurs by then (not truly).

9) Nov. 24, Timberwolves at residence

I nonetheless suppose the Nuggets are one of the best crew 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 highway

This can be a sneaky good one. The Celtics swept the Pacers, however the sequence was fairly darn shut. Indiana will likely be fired up, and the house crowd will likely be loud. It wouldn’t shock me in any respect if the Pacers steal this one.

7) Dec. 7, Grizzlies at residence

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. Must be enjoyable.

6) March 2, Nuggets at residence

The Celtics and Nuggets are one of the best groups within the NBA, and you may’t persuade me in any other case. I like watching these two go face to face. A daily-season win isn’t crucial, however it could be a pleasant perk for the Celtics after Nikola Jokic Jokic-ed his strategy to two towards Boston final 12 months.

5) Jan. 23, Lakers on the highway

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 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 residence

You can argue the primary Celtics-Mavericks rematch will likely be extra compelling, however I’d personally go together with the matchup at TD Backyard. It’ll carry again some previous reminiscences. Nope, not Kyrie Irving ones. Keep in mind when the Celtics received the championship on the Backyard? That was fairly an evening.

3) Nov. 6, Warriors at residence

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 provide Kerr a glance, however hey, possibly he’ll get fiery within the warmth of the second.

2) Dec. 25, 76ers at residence

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 completed 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 wonderful custom.

1) Oct. 22, Knicks at residence

The common season begins off with a bang (possibly even a Mike Breen “BANG!” if we’re fortunate). Will probably 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 anticipate them to fulfill within the Japanese Convention Finals. This might be fairly a preview.