Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Sure, there were some real NBA games last night, but as far as this blog is concerned, the season begins tonight when the Celtics host the Nets. This is the most highly anticipated year since Brad Stevens came to town. Here’s a roundup of news, notes and season predictions to get you ready.
It’s officially game day #celtics pic.twitter.com/DZCjm0WqVK
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 26, 2016
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Tomorrow Night. #Celtics coverage starts at 7 on @CSNNE. pic.twitter.com/kyWDPfIXy3
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 25, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Celtics are coming off a 48-34 season in Brad Stevens’ third year with the team. What is the next step? What is the potential of this Celtics’ unit?
“If we can put it all together, we could be special,” Thomas said, before hedging. “I’m not going to say we’re going to go to the NBA Finals or do none of that, but like I said before teams know we can be really good. We just have to put it together and find our identity, which is on the defensive end. And if we do that everything else will take care of itself.”
WEEI – Isaiah Thomas On Season: ‘If We Put It All Together, We Could Be Special’
“Opening night is off the table, yes,” Smart said after his teammates practiced Tuesday. “A couple weeks (from when the injury occurred in the middle of last week). That’s the projection that they gave me, really just not trying to rush anything and just trying to make sure that we can limit this from happening again. We’re taking every precaution we can with it.
If he misses the first week of the regular season, Smart would sit out games against the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets. After opening their schedule with those three games in four nights, the Celtics then have another three days before resuming action against the Bulls (again).
MassLive – Marcus Smart ruled out of Boston Celtics opener, could miss more time due to ankle injury
Related: Herald – Marcus Smart out for opener, set to miss at least another week | CSNNE – Celtics To Begin Season With Marcus Smart On The Shelf
Last season I underestimated this team and said they would win about 43 games, which would have been a three-win improvement from the previous year. Then they won 48. This year I’ll go with another modest improvement, but I’ll say they get to 51 wins.
The addition of Horford, and the fact that other Eastern Conference teams mostly made minor improvements, if any, should be enough for the Celtics to take another step. But this season will not be judged by win count; it will be judged by playoff progress. Boston has to win a series, and it will.
Globe – Answering the burning questions about the Celtics
Worst road trips
Brooklyn’s 15-day fling — After the All-Star break, the Nets start with a trip to Denver on Feb. 24 and Golden State the next night, followed by Sacramento, Utah, Portland, and Memphis. The trip continues to Atlanta and then concludes in Dallas. The Nets will have nearly a month (Feb. 15-March 12) between home games.
Globe – What to look for in the 2016-17 NBA season
More season-opening links:
Globe – A team-by-team look at the NBA this season
Herald – Tipping off the NBA season with some key story lines | Al Horford brings unselfish game to Celtics | Five keys to the Celtics’ season | 2016-17 Celtics roster: Facts and figures | Celtics Notebook: Marcus Smart talks a good game | Bulpett: For playoff-lock Celtics, success in postseason only thing that matters | Avery Bradley defends his rise in the Celtics game plan | 2016-17 Celtics: Herald staff predictions
Boston.com – 5 keys to the Celtics’ success this season
NESN – NBA Title Odds: Warriors Overwhelming Favorites; Celtics On The Rise | NBA Season Preview 2016-17: Predictions For Every Eastern Conference Team
The Ringer – NBA Squad Goals, Part 2 (Celts touted as Eastern Conference finalists)
CSNNE – Five Storylines For The 2016-17 Celtics | CSN’s Top 25 Players In The NBA
Providence Journal – Kevin McNamara: High hopes for Celts, but pump the brakes on title talk | Brad Stevens has made believers of his Celtics | Rozier, Brown to take on bigger roles with Celts
ESPN – Expert picks: 2016-17 Atlantic champs (22 of 28 pick the Celtics)
Sports Illustrated – NBA Awards Roundtable (lots of love for Brad)
On Page 2: Everyone loves Sager
Celtics are #SagerStrong. pic.twitter.com/tZnFRgxDPL
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) October 25, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOne day before their regular season opener, the Boston Celtics wore suits and ties while shooting after practice Tuesday. Well, they sort of wore suits and ties. The clothes were actually t-shirts, which featured flowers, patterns and bright colors, designed specifically to look like a Craig Sager outfit.
For many years, Sager has been the world’s best sideline reporter, an admirable foil to Gregg Popovich and a brilliant interviewer of great athletes. Sager is currently fighting leukemia, which — along with all the love he has inspired — prompted a series of NBA tributes.
MassLive – Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics wear shirts for Craig Sager: ‘We’re praying for him,’ says Thomas
No one in the NBA is as beloved as Craig Sager. Wonderful gesture by the Celtics and others across the league.
Related: Herald – Celtics pay tribute to ailing broadcaster Craig Sager | Globe – Celtics send message to popular announcer Craig Sager
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Coach Brad Stevens Mic’d Up At Celtics Practice (video)
Herald – Bulpett: Being a great NBA scorer takes physical, mental ability
The Undefeated – Where Are All The White American NBA Players?
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