The Boston Celtics open the season taking on a team they could be directly jockeying for a position with late in the season, the New York Knicks, in their 2021-22 opener.
New York will have two of Boston’s old starters, Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, in their starting five during the opening tip-off. The Cs, on the other hand, will be lacking a key frontcourt leader and will have to adjust their game-plan accordingly.
Al Horford is unlikely to take the floor after he was not listed as active in the team’s injury report.
Per Boston.com:
"Al Horford is listed as inactive. He tested positive for COVID a week ago. Udoka suggested Horford might not be available given his timeline, but he said Horford — like Brown — is doing well."
But the show goes on. When Boston takes the floor in front of a packed Madison Square Garden crowd Wednesday night, these 3 Cs could be inserted into the starting five.
Boston Celtics potential surprise starter #1: Romeo Langford
Romeo Langford has not made the overall impact that former general manager Danny Ainge probably would have liked by this point in his career, with injuries being the primary culprit.
That said, he has been an entrant into the starting lineup for both Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka, which is actually the trajectory one would have hoped for by the end of year 2/beginning of year 3.
He has started five of the last six games (in the 2021 postseason and 2021 preseason) the Celtics have played. Wednesday could see Langford reprise his starting role with a chance to stick if they can pick up a crucial win against a divisional rival to get the season started right.