"Tatum gonna shoot 5-25": NBA fans roast star forward as news emerges that Knicks vs Celtics reportedly headline on 2024-25 opening night

For the second straight year, the Boston Celtics will open the season with a showdown against the New York Knicks. As the reigning champions, the Celtics will start the defense of their title at home on October 22. The Knicks will have a front-row ticket to the historic raising of banner No. 18 at TD Garden.

The matchup is the beginning of an 82-game grind for both teams but it will likely have a playoff atmosphere. It will be an interesting matchup as the Knicks retooled in the offseason to challenge the Celtics’ supremacy. New York lost Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency but added Mikal Bridges.

Basketball fans promptly reacted to the announcement of the Celtics-Knicks opening night matchup

“Tatum gonna shoot 5-25 bc that jumpshot is BROKEN and Mika/OG gonna have him in hell LMAO, and I'm not even a NYK fan. I just know Tatums jumper BROKE.”

A Knicks supporter predicted what might happen to Tatum:

“Poor Tatum finna follow up being benched at the Olympics with being locked up by OG on opening night.”

One fan commented:

“Belt to ass for the celtikkks”

Another Knicks fan wasn’t as excited for opening night:

“Oh great we have to deal with pissed-off Tatum and Brown on the first night, please don't let me down again i already lost a bet with a friend and had to a wear a Boston sweater after last season's near series sweep.”

Many predicted an Eastern Conference Finals featuring Boston and New York but the Indiana Pacers prevented that. Injuries to Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson also kept the Knicks from playing at full force in the postseason. If Brunson and Co. can stay healthy, they are legitimate contenders to win the East.

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The Knicks and Celtics look evenly matched on paper

Joe Mazzulla will likely keep using the same starting unit that had a big role in Boston’s championship run. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White seem locks to open games. Al Horford, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard and Xavier Tillman form part of the bench mob.

It’s anybody’s guess how Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will open games next season. He can have Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Anunoby and Bridges are the perfect wings to take on Tatum and Brown. Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride and Cam Payne will come off the bench.

The Celtics are the defending champs but not many will be surprised if the Knicks ruin Boston’s opening night celebration.