Here's Why the Celtics Are Playing at 3 PM Today

Here’s Why the Celtics Are Playing at 3 PM Today originally appeared on NESN.
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Your eyes haven’t deceived you. The Boston Celtics are playing at 3 p.m. today.

The Celtics will face the Detroit Pistons to kick off the 2026-27 NBA season. While it’s not a surprise to see them as one of the teams playing on Opening Day, the early start certainly is unusual.

Here’s why the NBA and NBC decided to shake things up.

MORE: Joe Mazzulla Sets Bold Goal That Could Define Celtics’ Season

Why Celtics Are Playing at 3 p.m. Today

Shortly after news broke that the Celtics would open the season with an afternoon game, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin shared why the NBA made the decision.

“I’ve talked to people around the league today, and they’re like, we could sense the excitement for the NBA right now, so let’s experiment with this thing,” said McMenamin.

“They talked with executives at NBC, and it was kind of a joint decision that this is something we can turn into a celebration of the game. It’s already a marquee moment for the league. Let’s see if we can enhance it and turn it into a major showcase.

“Maybe down the line, this becomes a tradition for NBA fans. It’s not that abnormal to see sporting events during the daytime in America. Also, an added bonus: it’s an international game. 3 p.m. Eastern is prime time viewing in Europe.”

Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Monday that the early start “is what it is.” He added that he understands the benefit of making it a friendlier time for international markets and praised the league for finding ways to grow its fanbase.

It’s a particularly convenient time for England, where the game will tip at 8 p.m., and much of continental Europe, where it’ll begin at 9 p.m.

It’ll be interesting to see if this is a one-off or the start of a new tradition.

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