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Felger & Mazz

Boston athletes that should appear in the new Backyard Sports games

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DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

The generation that grew up with the “Backyard Sports” games got a dose of terrific news earlier this week when it was announced that the games would be making a comeback. The older versions of the games used to have some of the best athletes in each sport playing in the game as kids. Boston had players like Nomar Garciaparra, Paul Pierce, and Drew Bledsoe representing the city during the peak years of the game.

There’s no official news of pro athletes being included in the new games, but it would not be a surprise if they appeared in the soon to be released games. Here’s a look at some Boston athletes that should appear in the new games.

JAYSON TATUM – BOSTON CELTICS

Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the second quarter during game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the second quarter during game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum should be a lock to appear in Backyard Basketball. He’s one of the best players in the NBA and a very marketable player. If there’s any player in Boston that feels like a complete lock to appear in the games, it’s Jayson Tatum.

DAVID PASTRNAK – BOSTON BRUINS

Feb 22, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

If Jayson Tatum is the biggest lock to be in the games then David Pastrnak is right behind him. Pastrnak is one of the biggest stars in the NHL right now and, much like Tatum, he’s a very marketable character. There’s no reason for Pastrnak not to be in the newest version of Backyard Hockey repping the Spoked-B.

RAFAEL DEVERS – BOSTON RED SOX

Apr 7, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Rafael Devers (11) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Rafael Devers (11) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t think Devers would be as much of a lock as Tatum and Pastrnak, but he’s got to have a real good chance of being in Backyard Baseball. Devers isn’t as much of a star in his sport as the other two, which could hinder his chance of being in the game. However, I feel that Devers is good enough to be considered among the best in the MLB and to get a shot at being in the game.

JAYLEN BROWN – BOSTON CELTICS

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 06: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 06, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 06: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 06, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

I don’t think Jaylen Brown gets as much love as he should, which makes me feel like he could be a borderline pick to make the latest version of Backyard Basketball. But are we really going to leave the reigning Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP out of a game? We shouldn’t! Brown should be a lock to be in Backyard Basketball alongside teammate Jayson Tatum.

James Stewart is the Executive Producer of the Felger and Massarotti radio program. Better known as Jimmy Stewart, because it’s a Wonderful Life, Jimmy has been enhancing talent in the media since 2000 when his radio career began at WEEI. During his producing career, he has been part of 8 NAB Marconi Radio Award-winning teams. He is one of only two active producers to have produced for all five major sports teams in New England. He hosts the Stick to Wrestling podcast and is the self-proclaimed Wrestling Tribal Chief of the Boston Territory. James writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.

Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony “Mazz” Massarotti, and Jim Murray “Big Jim”. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!

Celtics release full 2024-25 schedule

After an early preview gave us an update on four of the games on the Celtics’ schedule for next season, Thursday came with the rest of the Green’s 2024-25 released by the NBA.

Back on top of the NBA world with a five-game NBA Finals series victory over the Mavs’ one-two punch of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Celtics’ pursuit of Banner 19 will kick off with a banner-raising night against the Knicks on Oct. 22, while the year as a whole will see them look to become the first NBA team to go back-to-back since the Warriors accomplished the feat in 2017 and 2018. And the Celtics, for what it’s worth, have not repeated as NBA champions since back-to-back titles in 1968 and 1969.

And for the second year in a row, the NBA will have their in-season tournament (the NBA Cup), with the Celtics slotted in East Group C, which is comprised of the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Washington Wizards. The C’s will play four designated Group Play games that will be held on “Cup Nights” every Tuesday and Friday from Nov. 12 through Dec. 3, with one game against each opponent, two games at home and two on the road. Boston will host the Hawks on Nov. 12, and the Cavs on Nov. 19, and play the Wizards in Washington on Nov. 22, and the Bulls in Chicago on Nov. 29.

The team with the best standing in Group Play games from each of the six groups will advance to the Knockout Rounds. One wild card team from each conference (the second-place finisher with the best record in Group Play games) will also advance and complete the eight-team Tournament bracket.  

The complete schedule can be found below, with all times listed in EST, and all games available to be heard on the Celtics Radio Network...

  • October 2024

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a play during the second quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a play during the second quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images)

    Oct. 22 vs. Knicks (7:30 p.m.)

    Oct. 24 @ Washington (7:00 p.m.)

    Oct. 26 @ Detroit (7:00 p.m.)

    Oct. 28 vs. Bucks (7:30 p.m.)

    Oct. 30 @ Indiana (7:00 p.m.)

  • November 2024

    May 11, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

    May 11, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)

    Nov. 1 @ Charlotte (7:00 p.m.)

    Nov. 2 @ Charlotte (6:00 p.m.)

    Nov. 4 @ Atlanta (7:45 p.m.)

    Nov. 6 vs. Warriors (7:30 p.m.)

    Nov. 8 vs. Nets (7:30 p.m.)

    Nov. 10 @ Milwaukee (3:30 p.m.)

    Nov. 12 vs. Hawks (7:00 p.m.)

    Nov. 13 @ Brooklyn (7:30 p.m.)

    Nov. 16 vs. Raptors (8:00 p.m.)

    Nov. 19 vs. Cavaliers (7:00 p.m.)

    Nov. 22 @ Washington (7:00 p.m.)

    Nov. 24 vs. Timberwolves (3:30 p.m.)

    Nov. 25 vs. Clippers (7:30 p.m.)

    Nov. 29 @ Chicago (8:00 p.m.)

  • December 2024

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 06: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 06, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 06: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 06, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    Dec. 1 @ Cleveland (6:00 p.m.)

    Dec. 2 vs. Heat (7:30 p.m.)

    Dec. 4 vs. Pistons (7:30 p.m.)

    Dec. 6 vs. Bucks (7:30 p.m.)

    Dec. 7 vs. Grizzlies (8:00 p.m.)

    Dec. 10-17: NBA Cup tournament playoffs

    Dec. 19 vs. Bulls (7:30 p.m.)

    Dec. 21 @ Chicago (8:00 p.m.)

    Dec. 23 @ Orlando (7:00 p.m.)

    Dec. 25 vs. 76ers (5:00 p.m.)

    Dec. 27 vs. Pacers (7:30 p.m.)

    Dec. 29 vs. Pacers (6:00 p.m.)

    Dec. 31 vs. Raptors (3:00 p.m.)

  • January 2025

    Kristaps Porzingis

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    Jan. 2 @ Minnesota (7:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 3 @ Houston (8:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 5 @ Oklahoma City (3:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 7 @ Denver (10:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 10 vs. Kings (7:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 12 vs. Pelicans (6:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 15 @ Toronto (7:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 17 vs. Magic (7:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 18 vs. Hawks (7:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 20 @ Golden State (5:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 22 @ L.A. Clippers (10:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 23 @ L.A. Lakers (10:00 p.m.)

    Jan. 25 @ Dallas (5:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 27 vs. Rockets (7:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 29 vs. Bulls (7:30 p.m.)

    Jan. 31 @ New Orleans (8:00 p.m.)

  • February 2025

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 09: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a made basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a made basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024. (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    Feb. 2 @ Philadelphia (6:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 4 @ Cleveland (7:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 6 vs. Mavericks (7:30 p.m.)

    Feb. 8 @ New York (8:30 p.m.)

    Feb. 10 @ Miami (7:30 p.m.)

    Feb. 12 vs. Spurs (7:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 14-19: NBA All-Star Break

    Feb. 20 @ Philadelphia (7:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 23 vs. Knicks (1:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 25 @ Toronto (7:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 26 @ Detroit (7:00 p.m.)

    Feb. 28 vs. Cavaliers (7:30 p.m.)

  • March 2025

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 03: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on February 03, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    Al Horford of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on Feb. 3, 2023. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    Mar. 2 vs. Nuggets (1:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 5 vs. Blazers (7:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 6 vs. 76ers (7:30 p.m.)

    Mar. 8 vs. Lakers (8:30 p.m.)

    Mar. 10 vs. Jazz (7:30 p.m.)

    Mar. 12 vs. Thunder (7:30 p.m.)

    Mar. 14 @ Miami (7:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 15 @ Brooklyn (6:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 18 vs. Nets (7:30 p.m.)

    Mar. 21 @ Utah (9:30 p.m.)

    Mar. 23 @ Portland (6:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 24 @ Sacramento (10:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 26 @ Phoenix (10:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 29 @ San Antonio (8:00 p.m.)

    Mar. 31 @ Memphis (8:00 p.m.)

  • April 2025

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024. (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    Apr. 2 vs. Heat (7:30 p.m.)

    Apr. 4 vs. Suns (7:30 p.m.)

    Apr. 6 vs. Wizards (6:00 p.m.)

    Apr. 8 @ New York (7:30 p.m.)

    Apr. 9 @ Orlando (7:00 p.m.)

    Apr. 11 vs. Hornets (7:30 p.m.)

    Apr. 13 vs. Hornets (1:00 p.m.)

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