Having dominated last season, the Celtics face a question both simple and daunting as their season begins Tuesday night: Can they do it again? State of play: The Celts team that tips off at home against the Knicks will look very familiar.

This loaded team will be out to prove a point to the rest of the basketball world that tried to rain on the Banner No. 18 parade.

Following a lively offseason, the NBA might actually be deeper than ever. Parity is running rampant in a league that is historically dominated by one or two teams. Winning back-to-back titles is a punishing task,

Celtics are locked, loaded and favored to repeat as NBA champs . In a perfect world – well, perfect for 24 teams – the NBA’s streak of six different champions in six seasons