With just 32 days remaining until the Boston Celtics kick off their 2025-26 NBA season, anticipation is building in Beantown for what promises to be another thrilling campaign. The defending champions, fresh off their 2024-25 championship run, are gearing up to chase a historic 19th banner, with opening night set for October 22, 2025, against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden.
The Celtics, led by All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, return with a roster largely intact from last season’s dominant 64-win squad. Under head coach Joe Mazzulla, the team’s core of Tatum, Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis is poised to continue its high-octane, defense-first brand of basketball. The addition of rookie standout Baylor Scheierman, selected 30th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, has fans buzzing about the team’s depth and versatility.
“Opening night can’t come soon enough,” Tatum said during a recent media session. “We’re hungry to get back on the court and defend our title. The energy in Boston is always special, and we’re ready to put on a show for the fans.”
The Celtics’ opener against the 76ers promises to be a marquee matchup, pitting Boston’s championship pedigree against a Philadelphia team bolstered by the return of Joel Embiid and new additions to their roster. The rivalry, steeped in decades of playoff battles, adds extra intrigue to the season’s first game. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and TD Garden is expected to be electric as the Celtics raise their 18th championship banner before the game.
Training camp, which opens in late September, will give Mazzulla and his staff a chance to fine-tune the team’s system. Key storylines include Porzingis’ recovery from offseason ankle surgery, which is on track for him to be ready for opening night, and how the team integrates younger players like Scheierman and Jordan Walsh into the rotation. Veteran Al Horford, entering his 19th NBA season, remains a steadying force, with Mazzulla praising his leadership as “invaluable” to the team’s culture.
Off the court, the Celtics organization is pulling out all the stops for opening night. Fans can expect a festive atmosphere, with pregame ceremonies honoring the 2024-25 championship team and special giveaways planned. The team’s “Green Runs Deep” campaign has already sparked excitement across social media, with fans on X sharing their predictions for another deep playoff run.
As the countdown to October 22 continues, Boston’s basketball faithful are ready to pack TD Garden and cheer on their team. With a loaded roster, a proven coaching staff, and a city behind them, the Celtics are poised to make another statement in the NBA. The road to Banner 19 begins in just 32 days.
