It’s been a long wait in Portland. Six years since their last playoff appearance, the Maine Celtics are poised to, once again, return to the NBA G League Playoffs. As the calendar turns to March, Maine enters the home stretch in the top three in the East – the top six teams in each conference qualify for the G League playoffs, a single-elimination tournament until the NBA G League Finals, which is a best-of-three championship.
The Celtics have done so with something they didn’t have last season – consistency. With very few roster changes, the 2022-23 Maine Celtics are a stark contrast to the prior campaign. Only 14 different players have suited up for Maine this season; compare that to the 35 players to don the Celtics green in 2021-22.
With outstanding play from Two-Way Players JD Davison and Mfiondu Kabengele, Maine has remained near the top of the standings throughout the season. Luka Samanic has provided a solid presence, and has been rewarded for his efforts – the 22-year-old was named NBA G League Player of the Month for November. NBA Veterans Denzel Valentine and Marial Shayok continue to lead the team on both ends of the floor, and the addition of nine-year NBA veteran Tony Snell has helped bolster the rotation.
The month of March will be a challenge for Maine, with seven of the final ten games being played on the road. The three final home games at the Portland Expo all feature great promotions for fans.
On Thursday, March 9, the Celtics return home to open a series against the top team in the East, the Long Island Nets. That night’s game is sponsored by SMRT and includes a ceremony for the winners of our season-long “SMaRTer Together” campaign – area high school STEM students have been designing a new, fictional arena for the Maine Celtics, and the winning design will be celebrated at the game.
Sunday, March 12 is an annual tradition for the Maine Celtics – the team will hold its Fan Appreciation Game, which includes a FREE Maine Celtics Poster and Full Team Postgame Autograph Session. The family-friendly 1 p.m. start time is always a fan favorite.
The regular season schedule wraps up on Thursday, March 23 with a 7 p.m. game against Westchester. This game will be Cancer Awareness Night. The Celtics will wear specialty-themed uniforms for the game, which is sponsored by The Dunham Group.
Tickets for all upcoming home games are available for purchase online – BUY TICKETS HERE
Maine Celtics fans are hoping the strong play continues through these upcoming games, which will mean a shot at something the team has never achieved – the NBA G League title.
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