Celtics Receive Surprise National TV Game in December

While NBA game schedules are usually set in stone before the season starts, one thing that can still change throughout the year is the TV schedule. Similar to how the NFL flexes games to manipulate its primetime matchups, the NBA can also televise games on different stations to air better matchups and maximize eyeballs.

Such a shift was announced on Tuesday, and it benefits Boston Celtics fans.

On Friday, Dec. 1, ESPN was originally set to air a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies. That game will now air on local TV instead and has been replaced by that evening's showdown between the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

This switch is a no-brainer for the NBA. While the Mavericks have gotten off to a nice start, the Grizzlies are one of the worst teams in the league. Neither side has much of a national fanbase, either, although Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are always fun to watch.

Boston-Philly is simply a much better matchup. The Celtics and 76ers enter Tuesday's action with the two best records in the Eastern Conference. They've also been bitter rivals for decades and hail from two of the most sports-crazed cities in America.

We're not sure what ESPN was thinking when they originally penciled in Mavs-Grizz instead of Celtics-Sixers, but we're glad they came to their senses and fixed their mistake. Boston and Philly have already split their first two meetings this year, so we'll see who takes the series lead when the two meet up in Beantown.

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