Ranking the 10 most compelling regular-season games on the Celtics’ schedule

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 crew has repeated for the reason that Warriors in 2017-18. It’s not simple, however that doesn’t imply it could possibly’t be performed. This Celtics crew is extra geared up 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 a lot of 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 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 probability 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 house

I nonetheless assume the Nuggets are the most effective 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 highway

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

7) Dec. 7, Grizzlies at house

It was pretty to see Celtics followers welcome Marcus Good again final yr, 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. Ought to be enjoyable.

6) March 2, Nuggets at house

The Celtics and Nuggets are the most effective groups within the NBA, and you’ll’t persuade me in any other case. I really 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 approach to two towards Boston final yr.

5) Jan. 23, Lakers on the highway

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 yr 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 might argue the primary Celtics-Mavericks rematch shall be extra compelling, however I’d personally go along with the matchup at TD Backyard. It’ll deliver again some previous recollections. Nope, not Kyrie Irving ones. Bear in mind when the Celtics received 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 simply too elegant to provide 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 performed 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 house

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 evening, because the Celtics get their championship rings and the Knicks attempt to spoil the night. For my part, these are the 2 greatest groups within the East. In the event that they each keep wholesome, I anticipate them to satisfy within the Japanese Convention Finals. This could possibly be fairly a preview.