The full NBA schedule was released today. Of course, in the NBA, every team faces off at least twice. But some matchups are more important and exciting than others. History between two teams often creates the most anticipated games and best matchups. Here are the Celtics most important games on the schedule this season.
NBA Schedule Release: The Most Important Celtics Games in 2023-24
Celtics vs Heat: 10/27 7:30 pm (ESPN)
The Boston Celtics‘ home opener is a rematch from the thrilling Eastern Conference Finals series. The two teams have now faced off in 3 out of 4 of the past Eastern Conference finals and developed a rivalry. Miami’s style of slow, grinded-out defensive games contrasts the Celtics play style of heavy three-pointers and high-powered offense. The result is ultra-competitive, close, and gritty games in both the regular season and postseason. One thing is certain TD Garden will be rocking for this home opener. As the Celtics look to get revenge on the Miami Heat.
Celtics vs Bucks: 11/22/23 7:30 pm (TNT)
The Celtics and Bucks are the two preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference. This matchup always produces high-stakes competitive games even in the regular season. Boston has been known to give Giannis Antetokounmpo trouble with their size and strategy of constantly throwing different defenders at him. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis will make Boston even more equipped to guard Giannis. This game will give an important see how Milwaukee matchups with the new look Celtics. This will be the first of four matchups between the two squads and a perfect game right before Thanksgiving day.
Celtics @ Lakers: 12/25/23 5:00 pm (ABC)
The Celtics will travel to LA on Christmas day to face off against the Lakers. Setting up a classic rivalry game with two of the most iconic franchises in the league. Celtics-Lakers matchups are usually games both fanbases mark on their calendar. The historic rivalry often produces ultra-competitive close games. The matchup got the 5:00 clock slot and all eyes will be on this rivalry Christmas day. Since LeBron James has gone to the Lakers, this rivalry has been revamped. It’s in part because the Lakers became good again but also because of LeBron’s long history of great matchups with Boston. This will be the 5th time the iconic rivalry is featured on Christmas Day and the first time since 2008.
Celtics vs Spurs: 1/17/24 7:30 pm (NBC Boston)
Victor Wembanyama is the most hyped-up prospect since LeBron James in 2003. At 7 -foot-5, Wembanyama can handle the ball and shoot like a guard while being an elite rim protector and shot blocker. Wemby is a true unicorn and something the league has never seen before. As a result, his first time at the Garden will be a special experience and a highlight of the Celtics schedule. The Spurs also have a solid and fun young team. So this could end up being an entertaining and competitive game
Celtics vs Grizzlies: 2/4/24 6:00 pm (ESPN)
After spending nine years with the Celtics, Marcus Smart will return to the Garden on February 4th as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. This summer, Smart was a part of the three-team blockbuster trade which helped the Celtics land Kristaps Porzingis. His nine years with the Celtics were filled with success, including a Defensive Player of the Year award, five conference finals appearances, and an NBA finals appearance. During his tenure, Smart was a fan favorite and became one of the most beloved players in Boston’s illustrious franchise history. Smart’s return to the Garden will be one of the most anticipated and welcomed returns in recent memory. It is certainly a highlight on the Celtics schedule. Additionally, at this point in the year, Ja Morant will be back from his 25-game suspension making the on-court matchup more competitive.
Celtics vs Warriors: 3/3/24 3:30 pm (ABC)
This game will be a rematch from the 2022 NBA finals. Due to the elite offenses on both sides, Celtics-Warriors games have always been competitive and extremely entertaining. Making this matchup a highlight on the schedule each year. Since the 2022 finals there has seemed to be more at stake when these teams face off. The Celtics in particular seem eager to prove themselves against the 4x champs and the squad they fell short against in 2022. Last season, a mid-January Celtics-Warriors overtime game in Boston turned out to be one of the best Celtics games of the year. The Celtics walked away victorious winning 121-118. A nationally televised Sunday afternoon game between the two squads projects to be ultra-competitive and intense.
