Highlighting the Marquee Matchups on Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule

From Marcus Smart's return to Boston to rivalry clashes, including a Christmas showdown vs. the Lakers, and when the reigning champs come to town, here are the top matchups on the Celtics' schedule.

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The Celtics shook up the core of their roster this summer, trading Marcus Smart, previously the longest-tenured player on the team, after nine seasons in Boston, all of which resulted in a playoff berth.

Smart's now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, with Kristaps Porzingis forming a new triumvirate with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the latter of whom is playing on the most lucrative contract in the NBA's history, a title that quickly changes hands.

When asked about the Celtics trading for him with the belief he can be the piece that puts them over the top in their championship pursuit, an enthusiastic Porzingis conveyed the following to Inside The Celtics.

"The most like, exciting feeling that you can get; just the idea of that. That's why, as I said, it made it super easy, and it made (it) my complete favorite option was to come here to Boston. And that fire that I got from that idea is gonna gas me up for the rest of the summer and for my time being here."

And while the former All-Star's plantar fasciitis in his right foot, sidelining him for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, requires him to engage in a four-to-six-week rehab program, the expectation is he's ready for training camp.

That means the seven-foot-three center, who Boston hopes is the missing ingredient in their quest for Banner 18, should be ready for opening night for the Celtics, which takes place against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 25.

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Two nights later, the C's have their home opener against the Heat, who ended their 2022-23 campaign and did so at TD Garden. The two will tussle in South Beach on Jan. 25 and Feb. 11.

The first taste of another rivalry clash against a playoff opponent from last season, the Sixers, happens on Nov. 8 in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia also hosts their matchup on Nov. 15. Boston will do so on Dec. 1 and Feb. 27.

The first chance for Smart to face his former team is Nov. 19 in Memphis. The C's former floor general will have to wait until Feb. 4 to play at TD Garden as a visitor for the first time. You can bet he'll receive a thunderous ovation from the home fans that Sunday night.

Circling back to noteworthy November matchups, the Celtics' first game against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will happen on the parquet in Boston on Nov. 22.

Milwaukee hosts that matchup on Jan. 11 and Apr. 9 and returns to TD Garden on Mar. 20.

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Boston's first tilt vs. Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks is a home contest on Nov. 26. They'll do so again on Feb. 7, then play in the Peach State on Mar. 25 and 28.

The C's host a Cavaliers team that figures to be among the best in the East on Dec. 12 and 14, then square off in Cleveland on Mar. 5.

The first of two 2022 Finals rematches against Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the Golden State Warriors is in San Francisco on Dec. 19. The Warriors come to Boston on Mar. 3.

In the most anticipated matchup on the Celtics' schedule, they'll face LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers in a Christmas matchup showcasing one of the most iconic rivalries in sports on the marquee date on the NBA's regular-season calendar.

The purple and gold will host Round 1 between these two storied franchises, who later square off in Boston on Feb. 1.

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Jan. 13 brings a showdown with the Rockets, meaning it's Ime Udoka's return to TD Garden to face the team he coached to the NBA Finals.

The Celtics' first chance to play against this year's number-one pick, Victor Wembanyama, is on New Year's Eve in San Antonio. Wembanyama and the Spurs come to causeway street on Jan. 17.

Two nights later, Boston hosts Nikola Jokic and the reigning champion Denver Nuggets. They'll go head-to-head in the Mile High City on Mar. 7.

Grant Williams gets to play against his former team for the first time on Jan. 22 in Dallas. The Mavericks then come to TD Garden on Mar. 1.

In consecutive tilts where the availability of the opposing stars is already a concern, the Celtics host Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 27. On Jan. 29, Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans will be in Boston.

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Lastly, in a heavyweight slugfest sure to be worth the wait, the Celtics square off against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal for the first time Mar. 9 in Phoenix. The Suns then come to TD Garden five days later on Mar. 14.

And don't forget about the Celtics' in-season tournament schedule. Here's a look at who and when Boston's playing, plus all the details you need to know about the inaugural edition of this competition.

Further Reading

Kristaps Porzingis to Engage in 4-6-Week Rehab Program

Boston Celtics In-Season Tournament Schedule Revealed

Rick Barry Discusses Jaylen Brown's Record-Breaking Contract Extension, Kristaps Porzingis Trade, Two Suggested Superstar Additions for Boston Celtics, Who's Face of the NBA

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Weighing Whether Celtics Should Sign Kelly Oubre

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Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball

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