This Sunday, the Boston Celtics (44-17) will visit the New York Knicks (35-27). The 7:30 p.m. EST tipoff time at Madison Square Garden has been set. The last meeting between these two teams ended with a 120-117 victory for the Knicks.
Latest news on Jayson Tatum and Julius Randle
In their previous game, the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 110-107. There were some encouraging defensive displays, but if they want to challenge the Knicks on the road, they’ll need to keep up that intensity.
Against the 76ers on Saturday, Jayson Tatum played 36 minutes and finished with 18 points (7-17 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block in a 110-107 victory.
Tatum’s offense sputtered in the first half, with the forward making just two of six shots for a total of four points to go along with six boards and three assists. He shot 5/11 in the decisive fourth quarter and scored 14 points, including the game-winning three-pointer in the final two seconds.
Small forward for the Celtics has recorded a double-double in each of the last three contests. During this game, he racked up 13 boards and dished out 7 assists, both of which led the team. In addition, in each of his last four games, Tatum has made at least three three-pointers.
The Celtics are hoping their star player will be 100 percent for Monday’s game.
Jaylen Brown will miss Monday’s game in New York due to personal reasons.
Brown has not been seen by the team since Monday, so his participation in Wednesday’s game against the Cavs is currently in question. Seeing as Brown won’t be able to play on Monday, expect to see more of Sam Hauser and Malcolm Brogdon.
On Saturday against the 76ers, the Celtics’ top player played 37 minutes and racked up 26 points (10-21 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
He has shot 59% from deep over the Celtics’ last two games, a stat that has been crucial in keeping their Eastern Conference lead at a game.
Because of a sprained right ankle, Derrick White could play against the Knicks on Monday.
Even though White shouldn’t lose any playing time due to this, it is something to keep an eye on. The veteran guard is likely to return to the starting lineup if he is available after replacing Jaylen Brown, who will not play due to personal reasons.
Before the All-Star break, White started all 34 minutes in 13 consecutive games, averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 0.8 steals.
While this is going on, Danilo Gallinari has been sidelined for the year.
For the Knicks, they won their last game 128-106 over the Pelicans. They played exceptionally well on offense and defense, and will need to keep it up if they want to beat the Celtics in Boston.
Julius Randle scored 28 points to lead New York to a 128-106 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night as the Knicks celebrated the golden anniversary of their 1972-73 NBA championship team.
In New York’s fifth consecutive victory, six different players scored in double figures. R.J. Barrett scored 25 points and dished out a career-high seven aids. There was also a 20-point effort from Jalen Brunson, 15 from Josh Hart, 13 from Immanuel Quickley, and 11 from Mitchell Robinson, who also pulled down 13 boards.
No injuries were reported for the Knicks.
