Knicks set to have measuring-stick game to open NBA season

The New York Knicks' first game of the 2024-25 NBA season should be a telling one.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania , the Knicks will kick off the NBA season against the Boston Celtics in Boston.

The Celtics will be presented with their 2024 championship rings on opening night, too.

It will be a measuring stick game for the Knicks, who not only have dreams of competing for a championship, but are also built to play against the Celtics. Namely, it will be an opportunity to see how the duo of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, arguably the best defensive wing tandem in the NBA, stack up against Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

The Knicks went 1-4 against Boston last season (they played an extra game because of the In-Season Tournament) but did hand the Celtics their only home loss to an Eastern Conference opponent.

In fact, since March 2023, the Knicks are the only Eastern Conference team to beat the Celtics in Boston.

Of course, it will only be Game 1 of 82. A New York win doesn't automatically mean they are championship contenders, nor does a loss ensure that they aren't threats to make the Eastern Conference Finals. But it will still be a measuring-stick game for the Knicks to kick off their season — a win would undoubtedly set the hype train in motion.

The NBA's opening night can't get here soon enough.