Now that the on-again, off-again trade finally has closure, and another preseason is among us, the Boston Celtics have yet another new look. It makes one ponder some of the upcoming dates on the schedule. Which games are must-see TV for Celtics fans? Let’s take a look of what’s to come, shall we?
Celtics Must See TV
October 17th @ Cleveland on TNT – 8:00 PM
Could the season get off to a better start? The Celtics start against the Cavaliers, last year’s Eastern Conference Finals match-up. Coincidentally, these two teams completed a blockbuster deal with each other just a few short weeks before training camp.
While it may be bittersweet to see Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder in Maroon, the drowning out of TNT announcers to the Cavalier fans booing their newest traitor and our newest treasure will be delightful.
November 8th – Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN – 8:00 PM
I do not envision a rebirth of the past rivalry just yet. But how can you not be interested, even a little, in how Lonzo Ball plays in his first game against the C’s?
Moreover, I can just imagine the buzz around Boston Sports Media and Lavar Ball. The next coming of Don King in promotion of said event. Not to mention, it is always good to see the Purple and Gold get run out by the Leprechaun.
Christmas Day – Washington Wizards on ABC – 5:30 PM
A little bit of the sting has been taken out of this match-up since the trade of Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs escalated the battle with the poke/slap fest with John Wall where the Wizards then claimed it was the Celtics Funeral, wearing all black to their next contest.
The seven-game contest in last year’s playoffs is still fresh. With John Wall claiming the number-one point guard crown, the Kyrie Irving and John Wall competition should make for must-watch television.
The Return
January 3rd, 2018 – Cleveland on ESPN – 8:00 PM
This will be the first return of fan favorites Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder to the Garden. All eyes will be on the diminutive 5′ 9″ guard with the heart and will of a GIANT.
He may not be ready for court action, but one can only imagine a fitting tribute will be played on the jumbotron for Thomas. In Celtics green, he played with undeniable grit, passion, and fire during a most difficult time in his life and throughout the season.
The accomplishments and impact in Boston, on and off the court will not be forgotten.
February 11th – Cleveland on ABC – 3:30 PM
The game will be second to the retirement ceremony honoring Paul “The Truth” Pierce, number #34 in your program. He will be forever immortalized high in the Garden rafters, in a building where he played so many epic games. None more memorable than the 2008 Eastern Conference Semis duel between him and King James. Fitting, LeBron will be on hand.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66FNMqAAmX4]
Honorable Mention
November 3rd, @ Oklahoma City on ESPN – 9:30 PM
Who doesn’t want to watch the dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George with side kick Carmelo Anthony take on the new BIG three incarnation of Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford. Not to mention Marcus Smart shines in his College Alma Mater’s state.
November 16th, Golden State Warriors on TNT – 8:00 PM
This will be a great barometer to see where our new look Celtics really rate compared to undoubtedly the team to beat for coveted Banner 18. I wonder what the clever Boston fans will come up with to play off the Kevin Durant Twitter Saga this summer.
December 20th, Miami Heat – 7:30 PM
Good friend Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Mickey (who?) come back to the Garden. This might be more of my own guilty pleasure. I was big into the #KOHAIRWATCH and although he never excelled to the player we all hoped he’d be consistently (Remember Game seven last year against the Wizards?), it’s hard NOT to like KO.
A Team to Follow Throughout the Year
The Philadelphia 76ers.
With top-pick Markelle Fultz (who everyone in Boston thought was coming here until the infamous trade down to #3) and number-one pick Ben Simmons who face number-three Jayson Tatum and number-three Jaylen Brown a number of times throughout the year, will make for an interesting development to follow.
The reality, if you try really hard, you could make any game worth watching.
The Celtics retooled with dreams of having fireworks this June and a Duck Boat Parade to City Hall. Close your eyes. Can you see the Championship banner waving?
Let me know the games you are looking forward to in the comments. You can find me on twitter @bleedcelticgrn