The NBA is formally again on October 22 with the Boston Celtics opening the common season towards the New York Knicks in accordance with 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 might be taking a visit to TD Backyard. The sport might be broadcast on TNT.
Boston and New York are the primary sport of a gap night time doubleheader. The second sport might 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 depend 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 might be receiving their championship rings on opening night time. The matchup towards the Knicks is an enchanting one because the Knicks had a strong offseason selecting up the likes of Mikal Bridges from the Nets whereas re-signing/extending the likes of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. The discuss all offseason has been the Knicks are actually the staff which might be more than likely geared up 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 can have the earliest alternative to get a take 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 carry 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 Group USA to conclude their summer season of successful and after a number of weeks of leisure might be again within the lab to organize to do one thing that hasn’t been carried out because the Golden State Warriors completed the feat in 2017 and 2018.
Shams additionally reported that the Finals rematch will happen in 2025 with the Mavs internet hosting the primary sport on January 25. The Mavs will make their journey again to Boston on February 6.