Wednesday night at TD Garden comes with a little more history than your standard late-season matchup.

For the first time since the Boston Celtics (45-23) were eliminated by the New York Knicks (45-25) in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, both Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis return to Boston as opponents - a full-circle moment for two players who played key roles in shaping the Celtics’ recent championship window.

Horford’s legacy in Boston hardly needs much framing.

Across two stints with the franchise, the veteran big man became one of the organization’s most respected voices, a steadying presence in the locker room and a defensive anchor on the floor. His versatility, leadership, and ability to deliver in big playoff moments helped define multiple deep postseason runs, including the 2024 title. Even late in his career, Horford remained a connective piece - the kind of player whose value extended well beyond the box score.

Porzingis’ time in Boston was shorter, but no less impactful.

Acquired to elevate the Celtics’ ceiling, the 7-foot-2 big man delivered exactly that when healthy, stretching the floor offensively while providing rim protection on the other end. His skill set added a different dimension to Boston’s attack during the 2023-24 championship run, and at his best, he looked like the ultimate matchup problem. Availability ultimately became the lingering question, but his role in Banner 18 ensures he’ll be remembered fondly in the building he returns to Wednesday (we shall never forget Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals).

Of course, the game itself still matters. And the last time these teams met, it wasn’t particularly close.

Boston overwhelmed Golden State (33-35) in San Francisco back in February, using a dominant second quarter to build a massive lead and cruise to a double-digit win. It was one of those nights where everything clicked, a reminder of just how dangerous the Celtics can be when fully engaged.

They’ve continued to show different versions of that since, including Monday’s win over Phoenix (39-30) - a game that required late execution and defensive resolve to close out.

The Warriors arrive still searching for consistency, though Porzingis’ recent 30-point performance offered a glimpse of what they hope he can provide down the stretch.

But the spotlight, at least early, will belong to two familiar faces.

And in a building where both helped raise a banner, the reception, and the emotions, should match the moment.

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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.