BOSTON — When Joe Mazzulla saw the Knicks roster moves to improve their roster this summer, the Celtics coach admitted he was motivated. In an attempt to be better built to face Boston, the Knicks dealt Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Bogdan Bogdanovic and a bunch of draft picks to get Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.

Nevertheless, the Celtics will likely focus on their own game and how they want to approach it to end the night with a favorable result. Under Joe Mazzulla, Boston has rarely strayed from its offensive and defensive system, regardless of the opponent or the strength of its rotation.

The NBA has thrown up six different champions in the past six years, and this upcoming season, which tips off on Tuesday, will likely be just as unpredictable with several teams harboring genuine hopes of lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy next June.