Raptors 113 - Celtics 103: C's can't contain hot-shooting

Photo: Associated Press

The Raptors shot better than 50 percent in the second half, outscoring a Celtics offense that couldn't find its rhythm, and the result was Boston's first loss of the season, 113-103 at TD Garden.

Amir Johnson - Ready to take on Raptors

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Celtics forward Amir Johnson had quite the debut in Wednesday night's 112-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. In 20 minutes off the bench the veteran finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds (3 offensive) and 2 blocks at the TD Garden. It's fair to say that the C's first free agent signee this past July is warming up to his new home in Boston.

Podcast - Celtics Opener Recap

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We recap the Celtics beating the Philadelphia Sixers 112-95 in their 2015-16' regular season opener. Despite the starters coming out flat, Isaiah Thomas and the bench were firing on all cylinders to grab a win. We're previewing the C's next 10 games in the month of November, plus who are the oldest players in the NBA? All of this and much more in this episode, enjoy!

Click Here to Listen to Episode 24: Celtics Opener Recap

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Why the 2015-16 Celtics might be even better than you think

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The cast of characters the Celtics will have this season is one of little fanfare to the average NBA fan. The C's are expected to have a total of ZERO all-stars or all-NBA team selections come the end of the season when they most likely will be in position to make a top-6 seed in the abysmal East.

While that all sounds very exciting (sarcasm) it is a marked sign of progress. The 2015-16 Celtics will be the first team in three-years that is expected to make the playoffs and and at least the second round. This is a far cry from what many thought over the last two years while in full rebuild mode.

The Celtics may even shock the most optimistic fan in 2015-16.

Here's why:

Celtics 112 - 76ers 96: Celtics rout Philly in Season Opener

Photo: Associated Press

When the Philadelphia 76ers opened up a 21-13 lead midway through the first quarter, the Celtics adjusted their interior defense, took the lead and never gave it back.

The Celtics blew out the 76ers in their home opener at TD Garden, 112-95. Isaiah Thomas finished with 27 points, 7 assists and three steals. Amir Johnson contributed 15 points, seven rebounds off the bench and Marcus Smart chipped in 13 points, five assists.

2015-16' Celtics Predictions

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The NBA regular season is set to tip-off tonight while the Celtics don't get underway until Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Garden. Here on Causeway Street the next 24 hours can't go by fast enough, so of course we couldn't help ourselves by having a little fun making some predictions before tomorrow night's home opener.

Celtics Progress Report

Photo: @PlayersInGreen Instagram

After a tour around Europe (Italy and Spain), New York and even New Hampshire, the Boston Celtics finished 6-1 in their preseason. They tip-off against the Philadelphia 76ers once again in their season opener on Wednesday night at the TD Garden. It's a big week on Casuseway Street as we have graded the C's roster from 1-15 before the real games are set to begin.

Causeway Street Podcast - Celtics Season Preview

The Celtics finished their preseason 6-1 after a sloppy win over their opening night opponents; the Philadelphia 76ers. We're previewing the season which tips-off on this Wednesday night, as we discuss rotations, rookies, records and who could be on the trading block for Danny Ainge. Plus NBA talk surrounding the Eastern and Western Conference playoff picture and much more! Enjoy.

Celtics waive Perry Jones III

Photo: Associated Press

After concluding their preseason Friday night, the Celtics waived forward Perry Jones III and Corey Walden to trim their roster to the 15-man roster limit.

Jones, who was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder for a second round pick, had a tough time squeezing into the Celtics' crowded front court.

Preseason Game 7: Celtics 81 - Sixers 65

Photo: Associated Press

In a game where both teams combined for 40 turnovers, the Celtics outscored their opponent in the second half and closed out the preseason by beating the Philadelphia 76ers, 81-65. Marcus Smart's 10 points and Jared Sullinger's 14 rebounds led the charge, as the Celtics finished the preseason with a
6-1 record.

Preseason Game 6: Celtics 99 - Knicks 85

Photo: Associated Press

After losing to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden last Friday night, the Celtics avenged their defeat by beating the Knicks, 99-85 at TD Garden Thursday night.

Coach Stevens Pregame vs Knicks

Starting Lineup: "It'll be the same as Italy," 

Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, David Lee and Tyler Zeller

Preseason Game 4: Knicks 101 - Celtics 95

Photo: Associated Press

The Celtics struggled offensively, committed too many turnovers and surrendered their first loss of the preseason to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, 101-95.

Knicks forward Derrick Williams continued his streak off good performances for the Knicks, he had 19 points and 5 rebounds. And Kyle O'Quinn put together a double-double; 13 points, 11 rebounds.

Podcast - Celtics 3-0

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The Celtics are fresh off their Europe tour and with some continued momentum after getting a win on U.S. soil against an NBA team! We're talking with special guest Chris Villani of ESPN Radio & the Boston Herald about his thoughts on the 3-0 C's and if they are for real this season. Plus we're discussing possible lineups for Brad Stevens as we breakdown the first three preseason games so far and much more. Enjoy!

Preseason Game 3: Celtics 109 - Nets 105

Associated Press

Brooklyn - After nearly a week off since their trip to Europe, the Celtics were back in action Wednesday night on U.S. soil. Those paying close attention noticed several changes in Brad Stevens' starting lineup that included Amir Johnson, who led the charge in a 109-105 win over the Nets at the Barclay Center.

4 Things to Remember about the Euro trip

Photo: Boston Celtics Instagram

As the Celtics make their way back to the states to continue their exhibition schedule against the Atlantic Division, here are four things to takeaway from their games in Europe against Olimpia Milano and Real Madrid.

Preseason Game 2: Celtics 111 - Real Madrid 96

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Madrid - The Celtics looked to win two-in-a row to conclude their 2015 Europe tour after an impressive outing in Tuesday's preseason opener. Avery Bradley continued to display some great shooting that led the way to a Boston 111-96 win over Real Madrid on Thursday at the Barclaycard Center.

Preseason Game 1: Celtics 124 - Olimpia Milano 91

Associated Press

Milan - After nearly four months off, basketball is back, and the Celtics did not disappoint as they held off Olimpia Milano in a 124-91 win. Despite being an NBA preseason game, most of the Mediolanum Forum faithful were dressed in green and cheered the visiting team the entire night.

Podcast - Celtics Preseason

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As the Celtics are Europe bound, the Causeway Street gang is back for a brand new season of C's and NBA talk. They preview some of the summer's changes (rookies, free agents, etc) and what fans can expect come opening night in the next three weeks for 2015-16. Plus who could be on the move in Ainge's mind and much more. Enjoy!