Pierce, Garnett could make October Boston return

NEW YORK -- Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett could be back inBoston even before the NBA regular season starts.

The Brooklyn Nets will visit the Celtics for an Oct. 23 preseason game, part of a seven-game exhibition schedule they announced Thursday.

The teams also play Oct. 15 at Barclays Center in what would be the first matchup between the teams since a blockbuster summer trade that sent Pierce and Garnett to the Nets, along with Jason Terry.

The Nets also will play home and away games against the NBAchampion Miami Heat. They won't face the rival Knicks, who they usually play twice in the preseason.