Watching the preseason doesn’t have to be a grind, and here are four ways how

Watching preseason basketball can be a slog. There are too many games, too many stars not trying particularly hard, and too many minutes given to fringe players that teams still need to make decisions on. Yes it’s a taste of what’s to come, and insofar as it whets the appetite for real NBA action, the preseason has some appeal, but for the most part it’s relatively unenjoyable.

It doesn’t have to be though. If you enter the preseason with your eyes open, cognizant of its many warts and focused on a few interesting story lines, you can make the most of things, and we’re here to help. We’ve highlighted four nuggets of fun to look for during the Boston Celtics‘ preseason grind.

Lock in on these narratives, and let the context they’re happening in melt away. You won’t find the same satisfaction in your viewing if you watch these games the same way you do regular season affairs. This is a series of mental shifts. A drastic re-framing. If you’re not up for a new perspective, then hop off this train now.