Celtics to play Cavs on opening night, and Wizards on Christmas

The full NBA schedule is yet to be announced, but a smattering of games have been officially released, including two between the Boston Celtics and a pair of familiar postseason foes. The Celtics will start their season on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It will be an immediate opportunity for the Celtics to assess where they stand against the Eastern Conference’s standard bearer, and presumptive best team. Cleveland bounced Boston from last year’s playoffs with relative ease, but the Celtics come into the new season with a variety of new faces, including an All-Star on the wing in Gordon Hayward.

They should, in theory, have the firepower to compete with the Cavs in a more meaningful way. Opening night will be the first chance to put that theory to the test, and it will come with a national audience. It won’t be their only marquee matchup fueled by a postseason history either.

For the second year in a row, Boston will be playing on Christmas day. It marks a sustained returned to relevance on the national stage, and should come as no surprise. With their recent postseason success, the addition of Hayward , and long-term organizational pedigree, the Celtics are an easy pick

Their opponent, the Washington Wizards, represent a budding rival. Boston and Washington went a full seven games in the second round of the most recent NBA playoffs, leaving both teams with no lack of familiarity, or animosity for that matter.

The matchup will be the third of the day, taking place at 5:30pm ET- a perfect post-Christmas lunch activity.

That’s all we know for now. Make sure to check back soon for an update on the full schedule, upon its release.