Game Preview: Boston @ New York
After a win in Philly, Knicks look to care of business at home against the Celtics
Coming off an ugly win against the 76ers in Philadelphia, the Knicks are back in action tonight at home against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics (5-3) are also on the second leg of a back-to-back coming off of a win against the Chicago Bulls. Fatigue will no doubt factor into this game and the Knicks will need to maximize their offensive opportunities to walk out of this game with a win.
The Men Not in the Middle
Mitchell Robinson left the first half of last nights game in Philadelphia with knee soreness that will now keep him sidelined for the next 7-10 days. This will mean more meaningful minutes for backup Isaiah Hartenstein. This could also mean extended minutes of a small ball lineup that features an Obi Toppin and Julius Randle frontcourt. This combination proved to be successful last night against Philadelphia, and we may see it again tonight against Boston.
The Celtics aren’t without their injuries at the center spot. Both Robert Williams and Al Horford will miss tonight’s game, meaning that the Celtics will play a center rotation of Noah Vonleh and Luke Kornet. This should present opportunities for both Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein to be aggressive in the paint and potentially get the two big men for the Celtics in foul trouble.
With a lack of center depth for both clubs, this game will be predicated on the play of RJ Barrett. Without the specter of Robert Williams in the painted area to block his shots at the rim, Barrett should be able to operate on his drives and to the basket. I would look for a big game from Barrett. On the other side, the Celtic’s Jayson Tatum has been on a tear this season averaging more than 30 points per game. I would look for that to continue tonight, especially against a tired Knicks defense.
Players to Watch
The Celtics and Knicks gave fans their money’s worth last season when they played, and I would expect to see much of the same tonight. Here are some players from each team to watch for tonight.
Knicks:
Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ big free agent acquisition has had a good start to his first season as a Knick, leading the team in both points and assists. He is fundamental to what the Knicks are looking to accomplish offensively. Tonight, he is matched up against Marcus Smart, the reigning defensive player of the year. Smart is a savvy defender and very physical and should prove to be a good test for Brunson tonight.
RJ Barrett: With the absence of the Celtics’ primary interior defenders, RJ will have ample opportunity to get into the paint and attack the basket. Much of this game will hinge on his ability to hit the three-point shot, which has been a struggle for him so far this season. Barrett enters this game only averaging 23% from beyond the arc. If he can hit his shots, the Knicks will be in a good position to win this game.
Cam Reddish: When you play the Celtics two players should be your main focus: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The dynamic wing duo led the Celtics to an NBA Finals appearance a year ago and are a formidable group to defend. Cam Reddish has played well so far this season on the defensive end and this will be a good test for him. Look for Cam to potentially get some extended minutes tonight in the hopes of slowing down Tatum and Brown.
Boston Celtics:
Jayson Tatum: Tatum has been on fire this year out of the gate, averaging over 30 points per game. The Celtics will need him to continue this red-hot start as the Knicks will be sure to throw any wing defenders his way. Despite the rotations of Tom Thibodeau, I would look for Tatum to have another big game tonight.
Malcolm Brogdon: One of the Celtics’ acquisitions this off-season, Brogdon is the team’s catalyst off the bench. Coming off an impressive 25-point showing last night against Chicago, he will be looking to replicate that performance in the Garden against the Knicks. The matchup between Brogdon and Immanuel Quickley should be an interesting one to watch when both teams have their second units in the game.
Injury Report
Both teams will be missing players tonight. For the Knicks, center Mitchell Robinson is out due to knee soreness and Quentin Grimes will also miss tonight’s game due to the foot injury that has plagued him since the preseason.
For the Celtics, they will be without Robert Williams as he continues to rehab from knee surgery. They will also be without Danilo Gallinari and Al Horford.
Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30 PM EST from Madison Square Garden. Be sure to stay locked in to Let’s Talk Knicks for coverage of this and every Knicks game.