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The Top 5 Games on Celtics' Schedule
While a handful of games, including a couple of the Celtics' contests, were already known, the complete 2023-24 schedule unveiling for teams throughout the NBA took place last week.
Inside The Celtics have already detailed what to know about the regular-season path Boston must traverse in its quest for Banner 18. The same goes for highlighting all the marquee matchups for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Co.
But what about refining the latter to note the top-five tilts on the C's schedule?
That list is as follows.
1. Celtics and Lakers Square Off on Christmas
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Wisely, the NBA is utilizing the date that receives the most attention on its regular-season calendar to showcase one of the most iconic rivalries in sports.
Adding to what makes this must-see tv is that it's a battle between title contenders, pitting Boston, led by Tatum and Brown, against another dominant duo in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
There's also the reality that James is fast approaching the end of his career, meaning, arguably, the greatest player in the sport's history is nearing the last time he'll take the floor against the Celtics, who he's had countless legendary games against.
2. Marcus Smart's Return to TD Garden
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Despite joining Boston early in its rebuild after trading Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Celtics never missed the playoffs in Marcus Smart's nine years with the franchise.
He became the heart and soul of the team, and according to Michael Pina from The Ringer, Smart's never had a season with a negative net rating, meaning every year of his career, Boston's outscored its opponent with him on the court.
His departure has fans, now former teammates and the franchise's top decision-makers, emotional.
People aren't waiting to express their gratitude for the Celtics' former floor general, who gave his all to helping Boston reach the Eastern Conference Finals five times in nine years, including coming within two wins of an NBA title.
But Sunday, Feb. 4, is a chance for the organization and fan base to give Smart his flowers and an extended, heartfelt standing ovation.
3. Opening Night at Madison Square Garden
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The Celtics kicking off the 2023-24 campaign at the world's most famous arena warrants a place on this list.
These two squared off at Madison Square Garden to start the 2021-22 season, delivering an overtime thriller, where Brown erupted for 46 points, a career-high at the time, but Boston lost 138-134.
Furthermore, the C's won their first matchup against New York in 2022-23 but lost the last three, faring 1-3 in this rivalry clash. That should serve as added fuel for this season's series, starting on Oct. 25.
4. Home Opener vs. Heat
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The Heat ended the Celtics' 2022-23 season on the TD Garden parquet, just as Boston did to Miami at the Kaseya Center en route to the NBA Finals the year before.
Facing each other in three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals, these two have built a legitimate rivalry. And while there's nothing the Celtics can do about what happened in the playoffs, you can bet emotions will be running high as they try to avoid a second-straight home loss to an opponent whose games against carry more weight than a standard regular-season matchup.
Damian Lillard joining this feud would only fan the flames.
5. Hosting the Reigning Champs on Jan. 19
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It's a measuring-stick game, depending on how seriously the Nuggets take it, and the only chance for local fans to see two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic at TD Garden.
It's also a chance for Tatum and Brown to compete against another of the NBA's top duos, Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Honorable Mention:
Celtics vs. Warriors at TD Garden
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The reigning champions reside in Denver, but after playing the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, the latter represents a more emotionally charged matchup.
The first game against Golden State is in San Francisco on Dec. 19. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson come to Boston on Mar. 3.
When Two of the Top Teams in the East Collide
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Last season, an Eastern Conference Finals clash between the Celtics and Bucks seemed inevitable. Perhaps it would've happened had Giannis Antetokounmpo not hurt his back in the opening round against the Heat.
But Milwaukee, who changed head coaches, ushering out Mike Budenholzer and hiring Adrian Griffin, had an excellent summer, re-signing Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
The regular-season series vs. the Bucks starts on the parquet in Boston on Nov. 22. Milwaukee plays the role of host on Jan. 11 and Apr. 9 and returns to TD Garden on Mar. 20.
Grant Williams Returns to Boston
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Along with Marcus Smart, the Celtics' other significant offseason departure was Grant Williams, who joined the Mavericks in a sign-and-trade.
The former Tennessee Volunteer was a critical part of Boston's rotation en route to the 2022 Finals, and he still demonstrated how valuable he was to the Celtics last season despite his struggle for consistent playing time.
Williams faces his former team for the first time on Jan. 22 in Dallas. The Mavericks then come to TD Garden on Mar. 1.
Further Reading
Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
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
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
