The NBA recently unveiled the Boston Celtics schedule for the 2024-25 season.
The team, led by Joe Mazzulla, will start the season without Kristaps Porzingis, who is still recovering from surgery. Uncertainty surrounds his return timeline, with estimates suggesting late December or early January.
Apart from Porzingis, the Celtics are set to begin the new season at full strength. Baylor Scheierman is the lone addition to the roster and will have to prove himself to earn playing time in a championship-winning team.
The team has opted for continuity this summer, a strategy expected to yield positive results if everyone remains on the same page as last season.
Success for the Celtics hinges on the internal growth of the roster. Players like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday have room for improvement and could contribute to an improved season.
While there are reasons to believe the Celtics could perform better this year, a detailed analysis of each month of the upcoming season will help identify key games, potential traps, and underrated matchups.
October
Key Dates:
The season starts on October 22, just two days after my 37th birthday, making it a great gift from the NBA. The Celtics face five games in the opening 10 days, including matchups against tough teams like the Knicks, Bucks, and Pacers.
The Knicks, in particular, have bolstered their roster and will present a formidable challenge in the Eastern Conference.
With questions still lingering around the Bucks, the game against them will be crucial for both teams.
The matchup against the Pacers promises to be a fun test, given their style of play and desire to avenge their previous loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Trips to Washington and Detroit offer opportunities for wins against rebuilding teams, with minimal risk of falling into trap games.
Toughest game: The Milwaukee Bucks, who have a lot to prove after recent playoff exits.
