Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics: Game preview, start time, television information

The Cavaliers are back! The team is set to square off with the Celtics in what no longer feels like much of a rivalry. Nonetheless, it’ll be a potent challenge for the young, upstart Cavaliers.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics

When: 8 p.m.

Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Enemy Blog: Celtics Blog

TV: TNT

Online: Watch TNT

Cavaliers injuries: J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson both missed the Wine and Gold scrimmage due to various injuries - neither has an update on status for Tuesday night

Raptors injuries: None to report

Three Things to Watch

• Cedi, lead guard SZN: The Cavaliers aren’t planning on starting Collin Sexton, at least at the beginning of the season. That leaves George Hill to be the primary initiator of the offense - Hill is hardly a pure point, and that means the Cavs will need everybody to handle the ball. Cedi Osman will likely be guarded by Jaylen Brown — his handle will be tested.
• Can Collin Sexton change speeds? This Celtics team is fast and switchy. Raw athleticism won’t get the job done for Sexton among Boston’s key rotation players. He’s going to have to add more craft to his game at the NBA level.
• Who gets run for Tyronn Lue? David Nwaba, J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver are all battling for backup guard and forward minutes. There is no clear front-runner as each presents their own strengths and weaknesses. Preseason may not be great for showing meaningful action, but it at least gives you an idea of what a coach is toying with their rotation. The Cavaliers are absolutely loaded at multiple positions with players who will expect to play this year. Who gets the early nod is going to be a very important thing to watch.

Key Matchup

Cedi Osman vs. Cavs Twitter’s expectations.

Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction

It’s preseason, guys. It doesn’t matter. Welcome back!