Opening week of the 2021-22 NBA season continues as the latest chapter of one of the league's most historic rivalries unfolds.
All-Star forward Jayson Tatum and the Celtics travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks, led by their All-Star forward and reigning Most Improved Player, Julius Randle. Of course, Tatum represents only half of the Celtics' All-Star duo but it is unclear whether or not the team will be with Jaylen Brown, who, as of Sunday, Oct. 17, was still in isolation after entering the league's health and safety protocols, while five-time All-Star Al Horford entered isolation on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
MORE: NBA COVID-19 protocols, explained
After leading the Knicks to the NBA Playoffs for the first time in eight years, Randle has a new-and-improved supporting cast, headlined by the Knicks' offseason acquisitions of Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker, who, ironically, made up the Celtics backcourt during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The Knicks will also look for a third-year leap from former No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett, who is emerging into stardom in the Big Apple.
MORE: Power rankings entering the 2021-22 NBA season
As the NBA celebrates its 75th-anniversary season, an important subplot to this meeting is that it features two of the league's three charter franchises, the other being the Warriors.
Will the Knicks build upon an impressive showing last season or will Tatum's star power prove to be too much to overcome? Here's what you need to know about how to watch Celtics vs. Knicks during the NBA's opening week.
MORE: Watch Celtics vs. Knicks live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
What channel is Celtics vs. Knicks on?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Watch ESPN | fuboTV
Celtics vs. Knicks can be watched on ESPN for those with traditional cable or streamed via Watch ESPN.
What time does Celtics vs. Knicks start?
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 20
- Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Celtics vs. Knicks is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 20. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Knicks schedule 2021-22
| Date | Game | Time | National TV |
| Oct. 20 | vs. Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Oct. 22 | at Magic | 7 p.m. | – |
| Oct. 24 | vs. Magic | 7 p.m. | – |
| Oct. 26 | vs. 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Oct. 28 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | – |
| Oct. 30 | at Pelicans | 7 p.m. | – |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Raptors | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Nov. 3 | at Pacers | 7 p.m. | – |
| Nov. 5 | at Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Nov. 7 | vs. Cavaliers | 6 p.m. | – |
(All times Eastern)
Celtics schedule 2021-22
| Date | Game | Time | National TV |
| Oct. 20 | at Knicks | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Oct. 22 | vs. Raptors | 7:30 p.m. | – |
| Oct. 24 | at Rockets | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Oct. 25 | at Hornets | 7 p.m. | – |
| Oct. 27 | vs. Wizards | 7:30 p.m. | – |
| Oct. 30 | at Wizards | 5 p.m. | – |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Bulls | 7:30 p.m. | – |
| Nov. 3 | at Magic | 7 p.m. | – |
| Nov. 4 | at Heat | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Nov. 6 | at Mavericks | 8:30 p.m. | – |
(All times Eastern)
NBA schedule for 2021-22
After a truncated season in 2020-21, the NBA returns to its standard 82-game format for the 2021-22 campaign, which is the league's 75th anniversary season. The above Opening Night matchup is the first of 12 marquee games of Opening Week of the NBA season.
The first four days of the season will feature eight national television games. Those games will showcase:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 17, 2021
• 12 different teams
• The last eight players to win the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award
• Three rematches from last season’s playoffs. pic.twitter.com/B6ccuTTTb5
Here are some key dates for the 2021-22 NBA season:
- Regular season begins: Oct. 19
- NBA All-Star 2022: Feb. 18-20
- Regular season concludes: April 10
- Play-In Tournament: April 12-15
- Playoffs begin: April 16
- NBA Finals begin: June 2
- 2022 NBA Draft: June 23
