Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
An offseason that most notably saw the Celtics acquire Kristaps Porzingis, but at the cost of their longest-tenured player, Marcus Smart, a nine-year veteran who had been the heart and soul of the team; Grant Williams go to Dallas, and Sam Cassell and Charles Lee join Joe Mazzulla's coaching staff, SI Sportsbook has Boston tied with the Nuggets, the reigning champions, for the best odds (+450) to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season.
Now we know the road, including the first-ever in-season tournament, the Celtics will have to traverse to set themselves up for the most advantageous playoff path possible as it strives for Banner 18.
To the surprise of no one, Boston's 2023-24 journey is highly-visible, with 24 of its 80 scheduled regular-season games (30 percent) on national television.
If the C's reach the Knockout rounds of the in-season tournament, at least 25 of their matchups will air on national tv, meaning they'll surpass the amount they played in 2022-23, which was also 24.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Co. have 14 back-to-backs on their schedule this campaign, one more than last. Fortunately, five take place on the TD Garden parquet, meaning they won't require travel.
Boston will also enjoy a homestand lasting nearly half a month, stretching from a Jan. 27 tilt against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Clippers to a Feb. 9 contest vs. the Wizards.
That period includes some of the most notable games on the Celtics' schedule, including Marcus Smart's return to Boston, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Lakers visiting TD Garden, and matchups vs. Trae Young and the Hawks, and Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and the Pelicans.
The 2023-24 schedule also brings with it an 11-day road trip for the Celtics. They'll play six games during that stretch, starting with a Mar. 11 showdown against the Trail Blazers. It concludes on Apr. 1 vs. the Hornets.
They also have a seven-day West Coast road trip featuring four matchups against teams residing in California. It begins Dec. 19 with a 2022 Finals rematch against the Warriors. The next night, they're in Sacramento for a showdown with the Kings, arguably the most pleasant surprise of last season.
After two days off, Boston faces the Clippers on Dec. 23, two days before its Christmas clash with the Lakers, capping its stay in California.
And while the C's will travel 42,000 miles to play their 80 scheduled contests, 4,000 more than the average in the Eastern Conference, they'll have 16 games on the heels of an off day for them but not their opponent, compared to 11 where those roles get reversed.
Boston's regular-season journey starts against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 25.
Further Reading
Highlighting the Marquee Matchups on Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
Kristaps Porzingis to Engage in 4-6-Week Rehab Program
Boston Celtics In-Season Tournament Schedule Revealed
Examining How Celtics' Starting Lineup Might Shapeshift This Season
Weighing Whether Celtics Should Sign Kelly Oubre
Wyc Grousbeck Reacts to Possibility of Selling Boston Celtics
Derrick White on Signing Extension with Celtics: 'I Love Being Here in Boston'
Jaylen Brown Doesn't Want Celtics' Defensive Identity to 'Go Out the Door' With Marcus Smart
Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement