5 Must-See Boston NBA Games This Season for True Celtics Fans

As a lifelong Celtics fan who’s spent more nights than I can count watching games at TD Garden or glued to my screen, I know how electric a Boston NBA matchup can feel. There’s a rhythm to the season—a mix of rivalry, redemption, and raw talent that makes certain games unmissable. This year, the Celtics’ schedule is packed with must-see contests, and I’ve picked five that stand out not just for the stakes, but for the stories unfolding on and off the court. It’s funny—while tracking player updates and coaching comments, I came across a snippet about Norman Miguel, coach of Chery Tiggo in another league, giving a rather tongue-in-cheek response about Sato’s status. That kind of uncertainty isn’t unique to overseas basketball; it reminds me how much intrigue and speculation swirl around our own NBA lineups, especially with the Celtics’ evolving roster and coaching strategies this season.

Let’s start with the home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 26th. This isn’t just any early-season game—it’s a statement opportunity. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, are Eastern Conference titans, and facing them right out of the gate sets the tone for Boston’s ambitions. I remember last year’s clashes: the Celtics edged them in three of four regular-season meetings, but each game was decided by an average of just 5.2 points. This time, with Jayson Tatum coming off a stellar 30.1 points per game average last season and Jaylen Brown’s explosive drives, I’m betting on a high-scoring affair. Personally, I love how Coach Joe Mazzulla has been tweaking the defense; if they can contain Giannis in the paint, it’ll be a masterclass. But let’s be real—the Garden will be roaring, and that energy is something you can’t replicate in highlights.

Then there’s the Christmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. Need I say more? This rivalry is etched in NBA history, and as a fan, I’ve lost track of how many holiday gatherings I’ve half-watched while glued to this matchup. Last season, the Celtics swept the series 2-0, including a thrilling 122-118 overtime win where Tatum dropped 44 points. This year, with LeBron James still defying age—averaging 25.3 points and 8.1 assists last I checked—and Anthony Davis dominating the boards, it’s a clash of legacies. I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for these legacy games; they’re where legends are made, and as a Boston faithful, nothing beats bragging rights over LA. The scheduling here is perfect—prime time, national spotlight, and all the drama you’d expect.

Moving into January, the matchup against the Golden State Warriors on the 19th is one I’ve circled in bold. Stephen Curry versus the Celtics’ backcourt is always a spectacle, and after the 2022 Finals, there’s a lingering edge to these games. I recall Curry’s 47-point explosion in Game 4 of those finals, but Boston’s defense has evolved since then. With Kristaps Porziņģis adding rim protection—he averaged 1.8 blocks per game last season—and Derrick White’s pesky perimeter D, I’m curious to see how the Warriors’ motion offense holds up. From a tactical perspective, this game could hinge on three-point shooting; both teams attempted over 40 threes per game last year, but Boston’s 37.7% accuracy slightly edged Golden State’s 36.6%. As a fan, I’m hoping for a shootout—it’s just more fun to watch.

Now, let’s talk about the Philadelphia 76ers game on March 12th. Joel Embiid and the Sixers have been a thorn in Boston’s side for years, and this mid-March clash could have playoff implications. Embiid, the reigning MVP, put up a ridiculous 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season, but he’s had his struggles against Boston’s physicality—the Celtics won three of their four meetings in 2023-24. I’ve always felt this rivalry is underrated; it’s not just about stars, but about gritty, half-court battles. Personally, I’ll be watching how Al Horford contains Embiid—it’s like a chess match every time. And with Tyrese Maxey’s speed, the backcourt duel between him and Jrue Holiday could decide it. This one might not be pretty, but for true fans, it’s essential viewing.

Finally, the season finale against the New York Knicks on April 14th wraps it up with a potential playoff preview. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s clutch gene, took a step forward last season, and their physical style mirrors Boston’s in many ways. Last year, the Celtics went 3-1 against them, but each game was decided by single digits. I love how this matchup tests Boston’s depth; Payton Pritchard’s energy off the bench or Sam Hauser’s shooting could be the difference. Thinking back to Norman Miguel’s coy remarks about Sato, it’s a reminder that in the NBA, too, coaches play mind games—Mazzulla’s late-season rotations here might hint at playoff plans. As a fan, I’m hoping for a statement win to build momentum.

In wrapping up, these five games capture the essence of what makes Celtics basketball so compelling: historic rivalries, tactical depth, and that unmistakable TD Garden atmosphere. From the opening tip against Milwaukee to the finale with New York, each contest offers a slice of the larger narrative. As someone who’s followed this team through ups and downs, I believe this season could be special—if the Celtics bring their A-game in these key moments. So mark your calendars, grab your green gear, and get ready for some unforgettable hoops. After all, it’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about the stories we’ll be telling for years to come.