On Thursday, the New York Knicks head to Boston for a crucial showdown against the Celtics in an Atlantic Division clash. With their sights set on maintaining their position in third place in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Knicks also harbor hopes of catching the Milwaukee Bucks for the coveted second spot.
Meanwhile, the Celtics, already locked in as the top seed in the East, enjoy the luxury of home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.
Knicks Look to Consolidate Position
Entering their final trio of games, the Knicks find themselves at a decisive crossroads, poised to move up or down in the standings. Currently occupying third place, they trail Milwaukee by just one game, with the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers nipping at their heels. Therefore, they cannot afford mistakes in these remaining games.
Their recent form suggests promise, securing a remarkable 128-117 victory over the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday night.
Jalen Brunson, showing his MVP-level prowess, turned in an outstanding 45-point performance, marking his second straight game with 40+ points. OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo provided valuable support, but it was Brunson's hometown heroics that stole the show.
Heading to Boston, the Knicks are looking for redemption, aiming to secure their first win over the Celtics this season after accumulating only losses in their previous four meetings.
Benefiting from the Celtics' lack of incentive to win, as they have already secured their playoff position, the Knicks may have a tactical advantage, especially if the Celtics opt to limit the minutes of their key players.
Statistically, the Knicks enter the fray with a variety of rankings in the NBA. Offensively, they rank 20th in points per game, 22nd in field goal shooting and 14th in three-point shooting.
However, they excel in outside shooting, ranking 10th in three-point shooting per game.
Defensively, they boast a formidable posture, ranking second in scoring defense, 14th in field goal shooting defense and 17th in three-point shooting defense.
They also show skill on the boards, ranking fifth in total rebounds per game. Despite these strengths, they must address their turnover problems, currently ranking ninth in turnovers per game.
next stop 📍 pic.twitter.com/U4AnNzBnVv
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 11, 2024
Celtics Already Thinking Playoffs
Entering the game with an enviable 62-17 record, the best in the NBA, and with home-court advantage assured throughout the NBA playoffs, the Celtics' main goal is to stay healthy in the remaining three games of the season.
Their recent outing saw them succumb in a 104-91 loss to Milwaukee in a game characterized by a record of just two free throws, indicative of a lack of defensive intensity in a game with no playoff implications.
With Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford absent, the Celtics relied on Jayson Tatum's 22 points to lead the team.
Reflecting on the loss, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla considered it a valuable learning opportunity, emphasizing the importance of adapting to adverse situations and seeking alternatives for success.
Despite the setback, the Celtics boast their most regular-season wins since their triumphant 2007-08 campaign, the season in which they won the NBA title.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are likely to prioritize the minutes management of their starters, opting to rest key players like Porzingis and Horford to preserve their fitness.
Offensively, the Celtics rank second in the NBA in scoring, eighth in field goal percentage and third in three-point shooting.
Defensively, they exhibit strength, ranking fifth in scoring defense, second in field goal shooting defense and third in three-point shooting defense.
They also excel in rebounding and ball security, ranking second in total rebounds per game and second in fewest turnovers per game.