Celtics seek to repeat as champions as NBA season begins

State of play: The Celts team that tips off at home against the Knicks will look very familiar. The organization opted against messing with an all-time-great roster.

• Every rotation player from last year's championship squad returns, led again by the superstar duo of Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The intrigue: The NBA hasn't had a repeat champion since 2018. And despite having 18 titles in their trophy case, the Celtics last went back-to-back in 1968-69.

• The weight of sky-high expectations and the physical toll of another deep playoff run is enough to topple many title defenders.
• And then there's the night-to-night challenge — every team brings its best effort when the champs come to town.

What they're saying: "They understand the target they have [on their backs]," Celtics executive Brad Stevens told reporters at media day.

Unicorn watch: Kristaps Porziņģis — last offseason's key acquisition — had surgery in June and likely won't play until sometime in December, at the earliest.

• His absence exposes one of the team's few weaknesses: a lack of big-man depth. The Celts will lean on 38-year-old Al Horford.

Know your enemies: Other contenders in the NBA's Eastern Conference made splashy moves this offseason hoping to catch up with Boston.

• The Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, a four-time All-Star.
• The Sixers added nine-time All-Star Paul George among a slew of new additions.

Yes, but: Despite the Celtics standing pat, Las Vegas views Boston as favorites to win the title.

How to watch: 7:30pm tonight at TD Garden. Tickets start at about $270 for the nosebleeds.

• Or watch on TNT.