The 5 Boston Celtics games you can't miss this 2024/25 NBA season

The schedule for the 2024-25 regular season of the Boston Celtics is already here, and while some of the standout games are obvious, like the opening night against the New York Knicks or the Christmas Day matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, there are other less obvious dates that deserve to be highlighted on your calendar. These 82 games are like tracks on a popular album, and we're here to identify those matchups that might excite you more than the chart-toppers.

With that in mind, here are the dates that really stood out when taking a first look at the schedule:

1. A new villain emerges (November 6 vs. Golden State)

Who would have thought that Steve Kerr, of all people, would replace Kyrie Irving as the Celtics' Public Enemy No. 1? After Boston won the championship in June, it was thought that it would exorcise any lingering demons from the 2022 Finals loss to Golden State. However, the first game that caught our attention was the Warriors' only visit to TD Garden this season.

Kerr can expect a strong reception from Celtics fans after Jayson Tatum, despite being part of the All-NBA First Team during Boston's title season, was relegated to the bench in two crucial games with the USA Olympic team in Paris. This situation is sure to motivate Tatum to have a big scoring night against Kerr and company.

2. Jaylen's revenge tour (October 30 in Indiana)

The first matchup against the Pacers was already a game that stood out on our radar, given that it's a rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals. However, what really makes it special is that it could mark the start of Jaylen Brown's revenge tour.

Brown, who was named MVP in both the Eastern Finals against Indiana and the NBA Finals against Dallas, was not selected for the Olympic team despite there being a spot available. This snub could be the spark he needs to ignite his competitive fire this season. Watching Brown face off against Team USA players like Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton could be a must-see spectacle.

3. It's Kristaps' music! (December 19 vs. Chicago)

When Kristaps Porzingis underwent leg surgery shortly after Boston's title season, the Celtics were very conservative in their recovery prognosis, suggesting a return of five to six months. This places his potential comeback between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

While it's tempting to dream of Porzingis' return on Christmas Day in a matchup against the 76ers, it seems more reasonable to highlight a game against the Bulls a week earlier. This date could mark when anticipation for Porzingis' return reaches its peak.

4. Champions' challenge (January 7 in Denver; March 2 vs. Denver)

Last season, many believed the Celtics were headed for a Finals showdown against the Nuggets. Both teams had very entertaining matchups in the regular season, with Denver coming out victorious in both instances. However, the Nuggets were unexpectedly eliminated in the Western playoffs.

This year, the Celtics and the Nuggets will face off four times, including a couple of preseason games in Abu Dhabi. These confrontations could give us an idea of whether Boston has the formula to contain Nikola Jokic and if the Nuggets are motivated to reclaim their spot at the top.

5. Marcus Smart's return... finally (December 7 vs. Memphis)

Injuries prevented us from seeing Marcus Smart face his former teammates in the two games the Celtics played against the Grizzlies last season. Let's hope for better health this time.

Smart's first visit to TD Garden will be on a prime-time Saturday night. While it will be Boston's second game of a back-to-back after playing against the Bucks the night before, watching Smart should inject the necessary energy into the team and fans. Celtics fans will finally have the chance to thank him for his role in the team's evolution towards the title and for all he meant during nearly a decade wearing green.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 5 partidos de los Boston Celtics que no te puedes perder en esta temporada 2024/25 de la NBA