At long last we have our first look at the 2023-24 regular season schedule for the Boston Celtics. The NBA has released the league’s entire slate of games, giving us a chance to circle a few key dates on the calendar. From tilts against established rivals to emotional homecomings, there are a handful of games on the schedule that Celtics fans won’t want to miss.
Boston once again will be a mainstay on the national television circuit, and there are currently 35 national TV games featuring the Celtics. Local broadcasts will be a little more special next season, however. This will likely be the final ride for legendary broadcaster Mike Gorman. Whether at TD Garden or watching from afar, it’s already shaping up to be an exciting regular season for Celtics fans.
Last year Boston won 57 games in the regular season, earning the No. 2 seed in the conference. But how will the new-look Celtics fare next year? Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing games on the ’23-24 regular season schedule for the Boston Celtics.
Porzingis’ fit with Boston’s All-NBA forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and the Latvian center’s ability to adapt to a tertiary role may well decide the wisdom of this move. https://t.co/2QCEhkrHSP
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 17, 2023
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics: Oct. 27 (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Jimmy Butler is quickly becoming one of the most formidable villains in recent Boston sports memory. He and the Miami Heat vanquished the Sixers in Game 7 on the Celtics home court, denying Boston a trip to the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons.
It was a heartbreaking outcome for the Celts. Poor shooting and unfocused defense doomed Boston, but Butler and the Heat deserve credit for a gutsy win. No doubt both sides will be eager to grab a win in their first rematch of the new season.
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers: Nov. 8 (7:00 p.m., NBC Sports Boston)
The last time the Philadelphia 76ers visited the Celtics was Mother’s Day and featured a win-or-go-home Game 7 in the second round of the 2023 postseason. With Boston’s season on the line, Jayson Tatum exploded for 51 points to send the Sixers home and help the Celtics advance to the East finals. It was a stellar performance for Tatum and another chapter in the storied rivalry between Boston and Philadelphia.
At the time of this writing, we can’t be totally sure of what to expect from the Sixers roster. An early look at one of the Celtics’ biggest adversaries will set the tone for the rest of the season and should be an exciting early challenge on the road.
Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics: Feb. 1 (7:30 p.m., TNT)
It doesn’t get much better than a game between two of the league’s most bitter rivals, and to that end, Boston will head to Los Angeles for a Christmas Day tilt.
Last time the Lakers visited the Celtics was in January 2023, resulting in an instant classic. A controversial no-call resulted in an emotional LeBron James, an animated Patrick Beverley, and an overtime victory for Boston.
Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics: Feb. 4 (6:00 p.m., ESPN)
Marcus Smart spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career with the Celtics. Thanks to a surprising trade this June, Smart will now employ his unique brand of grit and grind in a Grizzlies uniform. It was an emotional departure for folks across the Celtics orbit. Even team co-owner Wyc Grousbeck lamented how difficult the transition has been.
Seeing Smart suit up for an opponent will be hard for many, but his return to Boston will also be a chance to celebrate. Expect a lot of tears and cheers from the Celtics crowd all evening long.
Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics: Mar. 1 (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
There are two reasons why a visit from the Dallas Mavericks will be so exciting for Celtics fans. This will game will be the first time Grant Williams returns to Boston as a member of the Mavs. Williams signed with Dallas this summer after four seasons as a fan favorite wearing Celtic green.
While Williams will enjoy a largely positive homecoming, the same can’t be said for former Celtic Kyrie Irving, who will also be suiting up for Dallas. Irving’s time in Boston was tumultuous at best, and there appears to be mutual animosity between Irving and some fans in the Hub. There will be a lot of juice in the building for this one.
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