On February 27, the Boston Celtics take on the Knicks for the third time during the 2022-23 season and for the second time within the confines of the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden.
The Celtics took the first matchup of the season at MSG 133-118 back on November 5 behind a 30-point performance from Jaylen Brown, while the first TD Garden tussle was a 120-117 overtime win for New York off the strength of 37 points from Julius Randle and 29 points from Jalen Brunson.
Brown’s absence tonight due to personal reasons will be the defining characteristic of this game. While Derrick White being probable after appearing on the injury report with a right ankle sprain gives Jayson Tatum a second shot-creator and worthy No. 2 option on most teams, Brown being inactive makes this a virtual pick’em.
New York Knicks: 6th (ORtg), 14th (DRtg), 27th (Pace), 8th (NRtg)
Boston Celtics: 3rd (ORtg), 4th (DRtg), 17th (Pace), 1st (NRtg)
Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
PG – Marcus Smart, SG – Derrick White, SF – Jayson Tatum, PF – Al Horford, C – Robert Williams III
New York Knicks Projected Starting Lineup
PG – Jalen Brunson, SG – Quentin Grimes, SF – RJ Barrett, PF – Julius Randle, C – Mitchell Robinson
Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Injury Report
Celtics SG Jaylen Brown (personal) – Out
Knicks SG Evan Fournier (illness) – Questionable
Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction
It’s very difficult to confidently back Boston without Brown in the lineup. While the Celtics have been able to win without their second All-Star, six of those games have been against the Hornets and Pistons.
Against a Knicks team with a legitimate chance to contend for home-court in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Celtics will need a massive game from Tatum, White, and the second unit to keep up with with a NY squad that has scored at least 115 points in their last five games.
Celtics 123 Knicks 127