Boston

Celtics

Per usual, the NBA will have its brightest stars playing on Christmas Day. The NBA Finals rematch will start the day at 12 p.m. ET and will be followed by Heat-Celtics, 76ers-Lakers, Thunder-Timberwolves and Nuggets-Warriors. Aside from the team and player rivalries that will add to the drama, this will also be LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles after spending the last eight seasons as a Laker.

The most important note here is the start time. Typically, there are two night games on opening night, but this game will tip off at 3 p.m. ET. Managers will have to set their lineups earlier than usual. There are still two night games, with the defending-champion Knicks hosting the new-look 76ers, which will be followed by a Western Conference Finals rematch, with the Spurs hosting the Thunder. All three games will be broadcasted on NBC and Peacock. Other nationally-televised games for the first week have been revealed as well, and the full schedule will be released this week.

A few days after it was reported that Mitchell was considering a return to college for a fifth season, the former St. John’s wing has officially agreed to a two-way deal with the Celtics. The 40th overall pick in June’s draft, Mitchell suddenly had the opportunity to return to school after a court ruling granted athletes a fifth season of eligibility. Boston has been willing to give two-way players opportunities in the past, and Mitchell’s athleticism and defensive ability may give him a chance to contribute. However, the two-way contract makes him a challenging player to consider in redraft leagues.

A door that was once closed for Mitchell and other players like him swung open earlier this summer thanks to a court ruling that now gives college players five seasons of eligibility to be completed over five years. The original rule gave them four years of eligibility. Despite playing well for the Celtics’ summer league team, Mitchell is reportedly considering returning to school to fill the final available roster spot for the two-time defending Big East champions. If Mitchell, who has yet to finalize a contract with the Celtics, were to return to school, Boston would retain his draft rights. Given how lucrative NIL deals can be for some players in this new era of college sports, a domestic “draft and stash” may not be a bad idea for Mitchell, especially when considering that he would be playing for one of the sport’s best coaches in Rick Pitino.

With Jayson Tatum out for most of the season, Walsh took on an increased role for the shorthanded Celtics. He’ll be rewarded with an extension that will keep him with the team through the 2029-30 season.

González was excellent in the win over the Kings on Wednesday. He’s averaging 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals after three Summer League games. González’ name came up in trade rumors this offseason, but with the Celtics’ hanging onto the 20-year-old guard, there should be opportunities for him to make some noise this season.

After coming off the bench in his first two summer league games, Cenac moved into the Celtics’ starting lineup on Monday. And as he did in his summer debut, the first-round pick out of Houston blocked four shots. Cenac was also responsible for five turnovers, but there should not be too much concern about that category. As long as he’s active on defense and on the glass, there should be opportunities for Cenac to contribute this season, even with Boston improving its frontcourt depth by signing Mitchell Robinson.

Tonje, who spent time with the Celtics last season on a 10-day contract, is competing in summer league as an unrestricted free agent. Boston has filled only one of its three two-way contract slots, so it’s conceivable that Tonje is competing for one of the two remaining deals. If so, Friday’s performance was a step in the right direction, as he shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Tonje’s status won’t affect fantasy basketball next season, especially with Boston’s current roster boasting plenty of depth on the perimeter.

In his lone college season, Cenac shot 30-of-90 from beyond the arc; it wasn’t a major aspect of his game. On Friday, he shot 2-of-4 from deep, including one in the final seconds of regulation that forced overtime. Of greater importance to the Celtics was Cenac’s activity as a rebounder and defender, as he recorded 10 rebounds and five defensive contributions. Boston’s depth in the post should give Cenac time to develop, but he’ll be a solid option for managers competing in dynasty leagues.

González didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, going just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, his ability to contribute in other ways was on display, with the second-year wing hitting double digits in rebounds and leading the Celtics in assists. It was reported earlier this summer that the Celtics refused to part ways with González, which contributed to their not getting Giannis Antetokounmpo. So it’s clear that the decision-makers in Boston think highly of him. While González is not a must-draft player in standard leagues, the injury history of the new addition, Paul George, makes it likely that Hugo will be fantasy-relevant at some point.