Boston Celtics 2016–17 Schedule Released

Make sure to mark these important dates on your calendar

On Thursday at 5:45 PM Eastern, the NBA published the 2016–2017 regular season calendar. Opening night will be on Tuesday, October 25th, but most teams will start their season the following day and that includes the Celtics.

Below are a few highlights from Boston’s schedule:

The Opener: Celtics begin their season at home versus the Brooklyn Nets on October 26th. Remember, the Celts have the right to swap draft picks with Brooklyn this year, so it will be another season of rooting against the Nets.

Attention, Attention: The Celtics will have 22 nationally televised games this season, and that is not including those on NBA TV. Boston is projected to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and it is clear there is a demand for Celtics basketball extending well beyond the confines of the TD Garden. Boston’s rapid increase in national television appearances demonstrates the team’s successful rebuilding, going from a bottom-10 team to a hot commodity.

Christmas Time is Here: For the first time since 2012, you can open your presents and watch the Celtics play on Christmas Day. Stevens’ squad will play at noon against the New York Knicks in the first of five Xmas day games.

On the Road: The Celtics make their extended west coast road trip in March this year. Boston will play five games in eight days, facing the Lakers, Suns, Clippers, Warriors, and Nuggets. Not a terribly grueling road trip, but the Clippers and Warriors games will be competitive.

The Returns: A pair of former Celtics will make their returns to Boston this season. Jared Sullinger and his Raptors come to Boston on December 9th, while wordsmith Evan Turner and his Blazers visit on January 21st. Meanwhile, Al Horford returns to the Philips Arena on January 13th to face his former team, the Atlanta Hawks.

The Farewells(?): Two members of Boston’s big three are at the tail end of their careers and we might be seeing the last of them this season. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have nearly 40 years of NBA experience combined them, and who knows how much more either one has in the tank. Pierce and his Clippers come to the TD Garden on February 5th. Garnett’s Timberwolves play the Celtics on March 15th.