The Boston Celtics are set to kick off their first-ever run at the title for the NBA’s new in-season tournament as part of one of the six groups of five teams who will play one another during the tournament’s group play stage. Those groups are split between the league’s Eastern and Western Conferences — three from each — with a random drawing based on last season’s record deciding which ball clubs end up in which of the three groups.
In group play, each team within that group will play one another one time, with individual teams splitting that play between two home and two away games taking place on Tuesdays and Fridays in November with special courts to distinguish the titles from regular season games (the record will still count for the regular season record as well).
The winners from each group advance to the knockout stage along with a wildcard team from each conference with the next-best record in group play.
Derek Fisher on Kristaps Porzingis' fit in Boston, what he sees of Kobe in Jayson Tatum https://t.co/ncS5XYIxYk pic.twitter.com/V0OmLmqhnz
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 8, 2023
The winners from the knockout stage who make it to the final four in early December head to Las Vegas to try and win it all on Dec. 7. The title game is the only contest that is not also counted against the regular season record.
The Celtics have been placed in Group C along with the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, and Toronto Raptors; let’s take a look at which teams they play, and when.
Michael Carter-Williams on playing with Rajon Rondo for Bulls https://t.co/FS9iphc5ab pic.twitter.com/ueNuu3BaXJ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 8, 2023
Vs. Brooklyn Nets, Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET
At Toronto Raptors, Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET
At Orlando Magic, Friday, Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. ET
Vs. Chicago Bulls, Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
