WALTHAM -- The Celtics will begin their 2009-10 season with a road trip to Cleveland where they will play the other preseason favorite to win the East in the Cavaliers.

Their 96-82 victory over Cleveland last Wednesday was not a barometer for what they expect to happen in both teams' season opener.

The Cavs focused on chemistry instead of winning as 11 players were on the injured list as late as a week before the game. They didn't run a lot of their normal plays.

The Celtics, meanwhile, rested Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Glen Davis, and Brian Scalabrine.

Paul Pierce, Garnett, and Allen all said that the Celtics can't wait for their regular season opener.