The Eastern Conference heavyweights, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, are set for a thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Both teams are firmly in the hunt for playoff glory, with the Knicks riding high on an impressive 7-1 run over their last eight games, while the Celtics aim to bounce back from a rare defeat to avoid consecutive losses for the first time since Christmas.
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: Knicks Riding Momentum
The New York Knicks are brimming with confidence after a stellar run of form. Fresh off a five-game homestand capped by a 124-118 win over the Houston Rockets, the Knicks extended their momentum with a 121-115 victory against the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena.
In Toronto, Tom Thibodeau’s men overcame a slow start, turning on the style in the second quarter to establish a 17-point halftime lead that proved insurmountable. All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were instrumental, with Brunson contributing 28 points and five assists on 10-of-21 shooting, while Towns delivered a dominant 27-point, 20-rebound double-double.
This resurgence has catapulted the Knicks to third in the Eastern Conference standings, just two wins shy of the second-placed Celtics. A victory on Sunday would bring them closer to Boston than at any point since their season-opening defeat in October.
Celtics Eye Redemption
The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, are reeling from a 127-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a rematch of the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite a late fourth-quarter surge, Joe Mazzulla’s men were unable to recover from a 21-point deficit.
Payton Pritchard provided a spark off the bench with a season-high 21 points, while Finals MVP Jaylen Brown led the team with 25 points. However, Boston's struggles against Dallas have dealt another blow to their pursuit of the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the trade deadline behind them, the Celtics made no significant roster changes, signaling faith in the core that secured last season’s championship. Boston remains a formidable side, boasting the talent and depth to challenge any opponent.
Team News
The Knicks will continue to miss center Mitchell Robinson due to an ankle issue, though he has resumed contact activities and could return soon. Pacome Dadiet remains sidelined with a toe injury, but OG Anunoby might make his comeback after missing the Raptors clash.
For the Celtics, Jrue Holiday is a major doubt due to a shoulder problem that kept him out of Friday's loss to the Mavericks. New signing Torrey Craig is unlikely to debut, following his recent move from the Chicago Bulls.
Predicted Starting Lineups
New York Knicks: Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Towns, AchiuwaBoston Celtics: White, Brown, Tatum, Horford, Porzingis
Knicks to Edge a Tight Contest
The New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics rivalry has intensified this season, with both teams displaying championship potential. While the Celtics comfortably won their October matchup, the Knicks have evolved significantly since then, showcasing the form expected of title contenders.
Given their recent dominance, the Knicks are poised to exploit home-court advantage. The Celtics’ injury concerns and recent defeat could provide the perfect opening for New York to avenge their earlier loss. Expect a tightly contested game, with the Knicks likely emerging victorious by a narrow margin.
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