The Boston Celtics are entering a projected gap year. Jayson Tatum is rehabbing a torn Achilles, working out six times a week. That seems like a signal that he's pushing to return this coming campaign.
However, it's possible Tatum's return must wait until the 2026-27 campaign, given the timing and nature of his injury. There's also the roster reshaping, driven by the need to regain flexibility.
After consecutive seasons over the second apron, it was time for the Celtics to get below that threshold. Tatum's Achilles tear further incentivizes them to shed as much payroll as possible. Doing so will help build the roster back into one that can contend for championships.
Despite the absence of a four-time All-NBA First Team selection and the belief that Boston slides down the standings, the league's original monarchy will play on national TV 25 times this season. That's the eighth-most in the league.
The Celtics will play on Amazon Prime seven times. They'll have six matchups that air on ESPN/the ESPN App, or NBC/Peacock. Peacock will showcase the 18-time NBA champions four times. ABC/the ESPN App will feature two of Boston's tilts.
It's a testament to a franchise with global popularity. The Celtics are an international brand. That they're playing on national TV 25 times, in an expected down year, reflects their following and the interest in watching them, regardless of their circumstances.
Other observations about the Celtics' schedule
For the fifth consecutive year, the Celtics will play on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Jan. 19, they will take on the Detroit Pistons in "The Motor City."
Boston will celebrate the 75th anniversary of drafting Chuck Cooper when it hosts the Milwaukee Bucks Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month. Cooper was the first African-American drafted by an NBA team. The Celtics selected him with the first pick of the second round of the 1950 NBA Draft.
Boston's longest homestand this season will span four games over seven days. It starts Jan. 26 vs. the Portland Trail Blazers. That also represents Jrue Holiday's return to TD Garden for the first time since this summer's trade between these two teams.
That homestand will wrap up with that previously noted matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks Feb. 1. The Celtics' longest road trip will last five games over nine days.
That will start the day after Christmas, with a Dec. 26 contest vs. the Pacers. It will end Jan. 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
From reunions to the NBA's most iconic rivalry and when this year's first overall draft pick and New England native Cooper Flagg comes to TD Garden, here's a look at the Celtics' must-see matchups this season.