The NBA regular season continues as the Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks.
The Celtics hold an 11-9 record, ranking 8th in the Eastern Conference. They average 114.9 points per game while allowing 110.9 points. At home, they have a 6-4 record.
The Knicks are 13-6, sitting 2nd in the East, averaging 120.4 points scored and 112.9 points allowed per game. On the road, their record is 3-5.
In their previous game, the Knicks defeated the Raptors 116-94 to extend their winning streak to four games. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 22 points and 8 rebounds, Josh Hart added 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, Jalen Brunson contributed 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride scored 14 points each, and Jordan Clarkson added 13 points.
This season, Brunson is averaging 28.5 points and 6.2 assists per game, Towns 21.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, Bridges 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, McBride 11.4 points, and Hart 11.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.
The Celtics, in their last game, narrowly defeated the Cavaliers 117-115. Jaylen Brown recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Payton Pritchard exploded for 42 points. Anfernee Simons added 18 points, and Sam Hauser had 14 points with 11 rebounds.
This season, Brown averages 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, Pritchard 17.5 points and 4.8 assists, Derrick White 16 points and 5.1 assists, Simons 13.7 points, and Robert Williams III 9.8 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Regarding injuries, Robert Williams and Derrick White, who missed the last game, are expected to play. Jayson Tatum remains out. For the Knicks, OG Anunoby and Seth Curry remain sidelined.
In terms of team stats, the Celtics rank 21st in scoring, 2nd in points allowed, 5th in three-pointers made per game (15.3), 30th in paint scoring, and 5th in second-chance points. The Knicks rank 5th in scoring, 5th in points allowed, 4th in three-pointers made (15.3 per game), 21st in paint scoring, and 4th in second-chance points.
Both teams rely on similar offensive strategies and boast strong defenses. The difference is that the Knicks have a more complete core lineup and higher offensive efficiency. This game is expected to turn into a three-point shooting contest, and the outcome will likely hinge on which team gets hot from beyond the arc.
