NBA Match Preview: Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks
It’s the clash of the titans as the two hottest teams this season prepare to clash at the Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. Meeting for the second time this season, Boston Celtics visit New York to take on the Knicks tonight.
Standing at a season high ten game winning streak, the Celtics are playing their best season yet. Topping the Eastern Conference standings with an impressive 19-4 win loss mark, Celtics finished their second week at the top of the week’s rankings.
In two away and one home match last week, Celtics finished the week with a perfect 3-0 mark. Hosting and defeating the Denver Nuggets (105-89) last Wednesday, the Celtics set out on their short three game road trip. The last match of this road trip is their
matchup with the Knicks tonight.
Last Thursday, Celtics visited Philadelphia to meet the 76ers. With their centre giant Shaquille O’Neal benched because of a sore knee, the Celtics had a tough time holding off the Sixers. They however, eventually managed a one point win over the Sixers
defeating them 102-101.
In their second of three matches on the road, Celtics visited Charlotte to play the Bobcats last Saturday. Although, they were still missing O’Neal, Celtics eventually managed a thirty one point victory. The scoreboard showed 93-62 as the buzzer rang.
With the Mavericks’ 12 game winning streak snapped on Monday, the Celtics winning streak is currently the highest in the league this season. They are only one victory short of their all time longest winning streak of eleven games.
Anticipating a victory tonight, Celtics’ coach Doc Rivers said, "They're probably going to be extremely fired up for this game and I'm hoping our guys can match that intensity. Any time a game has energy, it's great. It's really great for us because finding
ways to get them up is always nice when you don't have to do it."
As impressive as they may be, Celtics are not the only team enjoying a season high winning streak. Though ranked lower in the standings than the Celtics, Knicks have recently found themselves enjoying an eight game winning streak.
Like the Celtics, Knicks also finished last week with no losses to their name. Moving past the Minnesota Timberwolves (121-114) on Monday, the Toronto Raptors (113-110) on Wednesday, Washington Wizards (101-95) on Friday and then finally the Denver Nuggets
(129-125) on Sunday, Knicks recorded a 4-0 mark for the week.
Knicks’ power forward Amar’e Stoudemire is currently on an eight game streak of scoring at least 30 points in a game averaging 33.9 points with 10.9 rebounds for the season. Stoudemire’s hopes to extend this streak might be halted by Celtics’ Kevin Garnett
and possibly O’Neal who looks to return after missing two consecutive games. Celtics however, continue to thin at the centre missing Kendrick Perkins and Jermaine O’Neal.
Even though Knicks enjoy the home court advantage, their home score stands at a mediocre 6-5 as opposed to the Celtics' 9-3 on the road. Celtics also enjoy the psychological c*m statistical advantage of leading the season head to head 1-0.
With both teams currently on hot streaks in the season, a winner cannot be easily predicted. Will it be the Celtics or will it be the Knicks? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure however, tonight’s matchup is going to be extremely exciting and exhilarating.
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