Boston Celtics
The Celtics are back in the Christmas Day rotation this year.
Jayson Tatum is setting high expectations for next season. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
August 11, 2026 | 9:37 AM
1 minute to read
When the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in a stunning deal last month, it seemed almost certain that the two teams would meet to start the upcoming season. But LeBron James’s subsequent decision to sign with Philadelphia appears to have led the NBA to veer toward more sparkle.
The Celtics will play the first game of the season Oct. 20, with a 3 p.m. road game against the Pistons. Later that day, Brown, James and the 76ers will visit Madison Square Garden to face the Knicks, the defending champions, on their ring and banner night.
Boston’s home opener on Oct. 23 will have plenty of sizzle, though, with the Knicks coming to TD Garden. That will also be Celtics center Mitchell Robinson’s first game against his former team.
After being left off the Christmas slate last season following several high-profile departures and Jayson Tatum’s absence due to his Achilles injury, the Celtics are back in the rotation this year. They will face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat at TD Garden at 2:30 p.m.
The rest of the regular-season schedule is expected to be released on Thursday.
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