The NBA unveiled their Christmas day and opening week national schedules on Thursday and the Celtics are featured prominently in both.
The Celtics will kick off the entire NBA national TV schedule by facing off with the defending Eastern Conference champions in Cleveland on Tuesday October 17th at 8:00 P.M. ET (TNT). The game will be the first half of a doubleheader that includes Rockets-Warriors in the nightcap.
Boston will get a prime viewing slot on Christmas day as well, it hosts the Washington Wizards at 5:30 P.M. ET (ABC). The showdown will feature the intriguing storyline of twins Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris battling on the national stage during what should be a fun rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The home game will be just the second time the Celtics have hosted a Christmas day game in franchise history and just the first time since 1964. The light home schedule stems largely from Red Auerbach always insisting on not having to subject his staff to working on Christmas day. 2017 will mark the 31st time the Celtics have played on Christmas day in franchise history.
The NBA also announced on Thursday morning that the Celtics would play the Philadelphia 76ers in a designated road game in London on Thursday January 11th at the O2 Arena.
“The Boston Celtics have enjoyed a loyal global following for decades, and we welcome the opportunity to connect again with our international fans,” said Celtics Team President Rich Gotham today in a press release. “We’re happy to be returning to London to play our rivals the 76ers in front of London’s fans, and look forward to the exciting atmosphere at The O2.”
The complete regular season schedule is expected to be unveiled next week.
Here is the full national schedule released by the NBA thus far:
NBA unveils national TV schedule for #KiaTipOff17 and #NBAXmas: https://t.co/ZiWAkIiPpE pic.twitter.com/paIXdM69TL
— NBA (@NBA) August 10, 2017
