The Boston Celtics released their 2018-19 preseason schedule on Tuesday afternoon, featuring matchups against two Eastern Conference foes. The Celtics will challenge the Charlotte Hornets and the Cleveland Cavaliers in home-and-home meetings before the regular season tips off in October.
Who's ready for preseason? #CUsRise
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2018
You can catch all four games on @NBCSBoston & @985TheSportsHub pic.twitter.com/WCsgyZNEPt
The Celtics tipped off last year’s preseason slate on October 2nd against the Hornets, so they’ll be off to a slightly earlier start this year. Instead of playing the Philadelphia 76ers like they did last season, the Celtics will replace that match up with two games against the reigning Eastern Conference champions Cavaliers.
The Celtics will likely be adding two All-Stars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, while the Cavs will be missing LeBron James (in case this is the first piece of NBA news you’ve read since June 30th). The only thing left for Boston to do this off season is to secure training camp invites. The Cavaliers made a splash by signing Kevin Love to an extension, though they still have a few question marks on their roster, including restricted free agent Rodney Hood.
With the Celtics finishing their preseason slate on October 6th, perhaps this could mean extended rest before the season starts or an even earlier tip-off than last season which began on Tuesday, October 17th. The 2018-19 regular season schedule will be released sometime in August.