Key Dates On 2012-13 Celtics Schedule
BOSTON (CBS) – The 2012-13 Boston Celtics schedule has plenty of marquee matchups for C's fans to enjoy.
The Celtics will have 19 nationally televised games, including their season opening tilt in Miami against the defending champs.
Here is a look at some of the marque games (and trips) on the schedule:
October 30, Celtics @ Heat
The Celtics will kick off the NBA season where their 2012 campaign ended. They will not only have to watch the Heat raise their championship banner, but then have to take the floor against Ray Allen. The NBA knows how to ratchet up the drama, don't they?
November 2, Bucks @ Celtics
Sure it's only the Bucks, but it's the C's home opener. Boston fans get their first chance to see newcomers Jason Terry, Jared Sullinger and Courtney Lee in action.
November 23, Thunder @ Celtics
The reigning Western Conference champs come to Boston the night after Thanksgiving. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kendrick Perkins beat the Celtics 97-88 in their only visit to the Garden last year.
December 14, 15 Celtics @ Spurs, Rockets
The Celtics have a tough Texas back-to-back with visits to San Antonio and Houston, but at least they don't have to travel the Texas Triangle again. Although, before heading to the Lone Star State, the Celtics host the Mavs at the Garden.
December 25, Celtics @ Nets
The Celtics are once again in New York for Christmas Day, but this time around it's against the new Brooklyn Nets. There's no Dwight Howard (at least not yet), but the Rajon Rondo- Deron Williams matchup is always intriguing.
December 27-30, Celtics @ Clippers, @ Warriors, @ Kings
After their Christmas Day game, the Celtics head West for the first time of the season with games against the Clippers, Warriors and Kings. It's not a tough docket of opponents by any stretch, but West Coast trips are always tough on veteran teams.
January 16, Hornets @ Celtics
Austin Rivers comes to town for the first time to take on his dad, Doc. Oh yeah, number-one overall pick Anthony Davis will be there too.
January 27, Heat @ Celtics
It's Ray Allen's return to Boston. Cheer. Boo. Either way it will be exciting.
February 3, Clippers @ Celtics
Your only chance to see Blake Griffin at the Garden.
February 7, Lakers @ Celtics
That other team for LA makes their only trip East (until the finals of course). Celtics fans will get their first look at Kobe, Steve Nash and the rest of the Lake Show, but make sure you an extra cup of coffee; it's an 8pm TNT game…
February 19-25, The REAL West Coast Trip
The Celtics will play five games in seven nights out West, starting with a back-to-back against the Nuggets and Lakers. The C's head to Phoenix, then finish the trip up with a back-to-back in Portland and Utah.
March 18, Heat @ Celtics
Ray Allen and Miami make their second trip to Boston.
March 22-23, Celtics @ Mavericks, @ Grizzlies
Another tough back-to-back for the Celtics as they head to Dallas and Memphis; their third of four back-to-backs in the month of March.
April 12, Celtics @ Heat
Back in Miami for the last time of the season… the regular season that is.
April 16, Pacers @ Celtics
The Celtics finish their home portion of the schedule against the Pacers, who very-well could be a playoff opponent down the road. But hopefully by this point in the season the Celtics have already clinched their playoff position and can allow Garnett, Pierce and anyone else that needs it to get some rest. So beware if you plan on buying tickets for this one.
April 17, Celtics @ Raptors
The Celtics close out the season north of the border against the Raptors, with their 22nd back-to-back of the season. See note above about resting players.
