Boston Celtics
11/9 in SLC, 11/17 in Beantown
Forget about the fact that the Boston Celtics enticed Gordon Hayward away from the Jazz, though that certainly helps to make this matchup all the more intriguing. The real reason why this pair of contests will be thrilling is because it features two of the most exciting and up-and-coming teams in the league.
The Celtics went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals despite their two stars, Hayward and Kyrie Irving, being injured. With those two back in action, there’s no telling how far they’ll ascend. Likewise, the Jazz were restricted by injuries for much of the 2017-18 campaign, but if they remain healthy all season long, they have a chance to reach elite heights just like Boston.
As such, and with the Hayward situation serving as further fuel to the fire, I could definitely see this matchup brewing into quite the heated cross-conference rivalry. Both teams are extremely well-coached, play as an incredible cohesive unit and are about as deep as they come. I can hardly wait to see them duke it out on the hardwood.