Ranking the best Celtics games of the 2021 second-half schedule
Which Celtics games are appointment television down the stretch? Our second-half viewing guide takes you through the best contests on Boston's remaining schedule in chronological order and ranks them by intrigue factor.
We hope you're caught up on those shows you've been meaning to binge. Because starting Thursday, Boston Celtics basketball is back.
The second half of the Celtics' 2020-21 season begins March 11, exactly one year after COVID-19 halted the 2019-20 regular season. It's a jam-packed stretch run for the C's, who will play 36 games in just over two months.
Boston's schedule isn't short on entertainment value, and some fans will be able to watch their team in person, fans are expected to return to a limited-capacity TD Garden later this month.
But if you're like most of us watching from home, which games should you make sure not to miss? Let's run through the best games of the second half and rank' em from one to eight.
*All games are on NBC Sports Boston unless otherwise noted.
Forsberg: Five C's storylines to watch in the second half
The Celtics get the NBA's first crack at the new, new-look Nets, who added Blake Griffin over the All-Star break.
Brooklyn routed Boston in the teams' previous two meetings this season before trading for James Harden, and the Nets have won 10 of their last 11.
It's unclear if Kevin Durant will play in this one as he nurses a hamstring injury, but the Celtics will have their hands full with Harden and Kyrie Irving anyway.
The Celtics' first game back is an immediate test to prove their four-game winning streak before the break wasn't a fluke.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 3rd of 8
*Game is on TNT
Here's another chance to play with the big boys.
Two games after their showdown in Brooklyn, the Celtics host the best team in the NBA in their first home game of the second half.
The Jazz lost three of four before the All-Star break, though, so Boston has the chance to deliver a statement win against Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Co.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 6th of 8
A bit of schedule serendipity for the Celtics, who begin a seven-game homestand shortly after fans are expected to return to TD Garden.
The first game fans can attend is a great one, as Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball and the Pelicans come to town.
The C's will be out for revenge after New Orleans mounted its biggest comeback in franchise history the last time these teams met.
This is also Boston's first home game after the March 25 NBA trade deadline, so if the C's acquire a big name, this might be their TD Garden debut.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 2nd of 8
Guess who's back?
Gordon Hayward's first game against Boston since leaving the Celtics last offseason is at TD Garden with fans likely in the building, while C's fans also will get a look at old friend Terry Rozier.
Aside from the return of two ex-Celtics (and a potential tribute video for Hayward), Boston fans should tune in to watch one of the NBA's more exciting teams, as LaMelo Ball is putting together a Rookie of the Year campaign in Charlotte.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 1st of 8
The Celtics are 0-3 against their Eastern Conference rival this season, and if they want to prove they're legitimate contenders, taking a game off Philly in the regular-season finale would go a long way.
Marcus Smart also should be back on the floor, meaning his longstanding beef with Joel Embiid can continue.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 7th of 8
The Celtics dropped a one-point heartbreaker to the Lakers in Boston back in January, but they could have a good shot at redemption in Los Angeles if Anthony Davis is still sidelined with a calf injury.
This game will also mark a reunion between LeBron James and his NBA All-Star teammate, Jaylen "Underappreciated" Brown. Plus, it's Celtics-Lakers. Enough said.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 4th of 8
If you missed Boston and Phoenix's first matchup when the Celtics were out west, you'll want to see the rematch.
The sneaky-great Suns boast the NBA's second-best record thanks to the dynamic backcourt duo of Devin Booker and Chris Paul and a stifling defense that held the C's to 91 points in February.
Boston could gain a shot of confidence by defeating Phoenix (and familiar face Jae Crowder), but it can't rest on its laurels: The C's travel to Brooklyn the following night.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 5th of 8
Damian Lillard is must-see TV, and the Blazers haven't visited Boston in more than two years. (Their "away" game against the Celtics last season was in the NBA bubble).
Lillard should have his backcourt running mate in CJ McCollum, as well, so Brad Stevens' defense will need to bring its A game.
C's fans also can welcome Enes Kanter in his first game back in Boston since leaving in the offseason.
Ranking by intrigue factor: 8th of 8
