Celtics open 2 game preseason on Dec. 15; Just 3 weeks for Kyrie to come up with an injury for match-up on 18th

Celtics basketball will be back in just 18 days. Well games that is. Training camp is kicking off this week. As we've mention before this will be a condensed training camp. The 2 game schedule is a sharp reminder. Expect most teams to use the first month of the regular season to bring along some older players and those coming back from injuries slowly. Kemba Walker we know will be out of action or at least very limited when the season begins. Also Romeo Langford won't be ready for training. Lastly Daniel Theis who had an operation after the playoffs, might also be brought back slowly. Probably should't say "lastly" since there could be other injuries we don't know about. For one their were concerns about #14 pick Aaron Nesmith's foot going into draft day.

if Nesmith is able to play in the preseason he will likely be the most watched Celtics addition. Tristan Thompson could snag that startig center role if Theis isn't ready to go from the jump.

The point guard position should give us some competition in training camp. You'll have the All-Star incumbent Kemba Walker on the sidelines. Typically Marcus Smart would start in his place, but with Gordon Hayward gone, Smart was already scheduled to start at the 2. The only other point guard on the roster that knows the system is Tremont Waters.



The 32 year old Jeff Teague is likely to get the nod at the point, short camp or no short camp. #26 pick Payton Pritchard will battle it out with Tremont for back-up minutes. This is all subject to change if the Celtics add another quality player or take back one in the still unannounced Hayward sign-and-trade with Charlotte.

Regardless, get ready for the return of Celtics basketball, because ready or not its coming. The preseason games have some intrigue. You have Doc Rivers first game as the coach of the 76ers with their retooled roster, followed by Kevin Durant back on the court with the Nets. And oh yeah his sidekick in sensitivity Kyrie Irving who tends to be injured when playing his former teams, especially on the road. But then again, have they even announced the fan situation? Pretty sure Kyrie could handle the virtual fans.