Tickets for the Boston Celtics’ 2009-10 season went on sale on Thursday, and there are certainly plenty of games at the Garden that are appealing to the eye, at least on paper. Sure, the games against the Cavaliers and Lakers will certainly draw crowds, but those aren’t the only two teams that will bring something to the table when they visit the Garden this season.
Before wins and losses are officially tallied and teams are in and out of the postseason picture, let’s take a look at which games Celtics fans should be buying tickets for this season:
Wednesday, Oct. 28 vs. Bobcats
The Celtics' home opener features a matchup against the rising Bobcats. It might not be a dream matchup to kick off the basketball season in Boston, but it’s tough to argue against this game with the NBA season starting up again.
Friday, Oct. 30 vs. Bulls
After an epic seven-game series that saw the Celtics get the best of the Bulls, the blossoming Bulls will likely seek revenge for their first-round exit last spring. Some changes to the roster have made Chicago even younger, but it will be interesting to see what the Bulls are capable of against the Celtics with Kevin Garnett in the lineup.
Friday, Nov. 20 vs. Magic
The last time the Magic played in Boston, they ended the Celtics' hopes of repeating by ending their season in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. This time, the Magic are more experienced while the Celtics might have added more depth.
Monday, Jan. 25 vs. Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers and "must see" haven't been used in the same sentence in a long time, if ever. But with the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA draft on their roster, Blake Griffin, the Clippers will draw a crowd this season, especially on the road.
Sunday, Jan. 31 vs. Lakers
The Celtics added Rasheed Wallace, and the Lakers added Ron Artest this offseason. With the last two NBA champions meeting for the only time of the season at the Garden, there is sure to be some fireworks to finish off January. A possible preview of the 2009-10 NBA Finals?
Thursday, Feb. 25 vs. Cavaliers
Strange to see the Cavaliers make their first of two trips to Boston so late in the season, but it's always an event when the beasts of the East match up.
Monday, March 15 vs. Pistons
After a disappointing 2008-09 campaign, the Pistons bring a revamped roster into this season. The additions of Ben Gordon, Ben Wallace, Charlie Villanueva and Chris Wilcox have many analysts liking the Pistons’ chances. This game will also be the first time new Celtic Rasheed Wallace hosts his former team.
Wednesday, March 17 vs. Knicks
Like the Clippers, it’s hard to say that a game against the Knicks is meaningful or one someone should buy a ticket to. But this might be the last time the Celtics roll over the Knicks for a while. With the 2010 free-agent class looming at the end of the season, the lowly Knicks might not be so lowly anymore, and this is the last time they play in Boston with the team they have currently constructed.
Sunday, April 4 vs. Cavaliers
LeBron's final game in Boston as a Cavalier? It very well might be. The two favorites in the Eastern Conference meet to wrap up the regular season and give fans a postseason atmosphere before the second season begins.
