Inform your pals! The New York Knicks (34-22) will play the Boston Celtics this Saturday night on national television. With a 44-12 record, Boston leads the league and has won nine of the previous 10 games.

They have also destroyed their last seven opponents. Even without their starters—Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and occasionally Isaiah Hartenstein—the still-weak Knicks have tied the score after ten games. However, Jalen Brunson and the Remainders will continue to take down opponents.

The Knicks most recently defeated the 76ers on Thursday in Philadelphia. In the meanwhile, the Bulls were dehorned by the Celts in Chicago, 129–111, starting with Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porziņčis.

The New York Knicks are 0-3 versus the Celtics this season and lost the last one 133-123.

Similar to the Knicks, the Beantown Bunch is a formidable foe of below-.500 teams; this season, they are 22-1 versus them. Without a doubt, Boston is a major player. They boast the third-best defence and the top offence in the league. They outscore everyone in three-point shooting and rebounding. They have a 38% three-point shooting percentage, and every Celtic starter gets after a loose ball quickly. In the 2023–24 season, Brown (a two-time All-Star) has averaged 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while Tatum (a four-time All-Star) has averaged 27.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. In his debut season with Boston, Kristaps Porzingis has averaged 20.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. This trio is powerful.

Boston’s starting point guard,, Jrue Holiday, is averaging 13 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. That’s his lowest point-per-game total since his rookie season. Nonetheless, he’s one of Boston’s best shooters, hitting 44% from downtown on 4.6 attempts per game. Don’t sleep on him behind the arc!

Derrick White, a shooting guard who averages 15.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, rounds out Boston’s starting lineup. In addition, he is making frequent and deep shots (40%) (6.8 attempts). Refrain from dozing off behind the arc!

In his previous ten games, Jalen Brunson, the All-Star point guard for New York, has averaged 31.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.6 rebounds. He had seven errors and a low field goal percentage on Thursday, which was out of character for him given Philly’s oppressive defence. But from the charity stripe, he shot a perfect 11-of-11 and added 12 dimes. Boston will undoubtedly use the same aggressive strategy against him tonight, but once again, Jalen will find creative ways to be successful.

Isaiah Hartenstein’s injured Achilles limited his playing time on Thursday to only 11 minutes. Using a small-ball lineup down the stretch, the Knicks stave off a Philadelphia surge while he was seated. However, they will want additional length in the frontcourt to counter PorziŇģis. For most of the game, Hartenstein or Jericho Sims should be on the court.

There were worries about who would replace Julius Randle after he injured his shoulder. Randle averaged 24 points per game. In his previous ten games, Donte DiVincenzo has averaged 23.9 points, showing excellent pitching. Josh Hart, a fellow Nova brother, continues to score double-doubles with hardly any perspiration. And even with a more basic offence, Precious Achiuwa is still thriving; in his last ten games, the power forward has averaged 40.4 minutes, 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. He has also taken the scorched remnants of my heart to pieces.

Prediction

The Knicks have a 28% probability of winning according to ESPN.com. Yes, exactly. The Knicks will stay with Boston for the better part of three quarters in a slugfest before faltering late. Slathering Hartenstein with Icy Hot in between quarters and losing a close game against the greatest team in the league? That is a resounding moral triumph. Knicks, 7 to 1.

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics

When: 8:30 pm EST, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Where: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY

Watch: ABC