The New York Knicks play host as winners of five in a row, but with a 17-15 slate at home, they are mediocre at best playing at Madison Square Garden. The visiting Boston Celtics, meanwhile, have 20 road wins on the season, currently more than any other team in the league.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

HOME: New York Knicks (35-27, 17-15 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Jalen Brunson
• Quentin Grimes
• RJ Barrett
• Julius Randle
• Mitchell Robinson

There should be a healthy amount of momentum on the Knicks side for tomorrow. Not only have they stitched together five-straight wins (123 PPG in that span), they also have a victory over the league-leading Celtics. They beat them in overtime last January 27th, 120-117, in an entertaining, hard-fought battle.

All-Star Julius Randle starred in that game, pouring in 37 points and a couple of clutch shots. His partner and crime and team floor general, Jalen Brunson, added 29 points and seven assists, while also providing some big baskets. They’re sure to have an extra pep in their step for this tilt.

Defensive big man Mitchell Robinson will be in his third game back from injury. He delivered a double-double in each of the two previous outings, averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds per game. Expect him to continue being a disruptor against the opposition. Lastly, there’s RJ Barrett, who has 23 PPG in the two meetings.

The Knicks have won four-straight games ATS.

AWAY: Boston Celtics (44-17, 20-10 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Marcus Smart
• Jaylen Brown (out) / Derrick White
• Jayson Tatum
• Al Horford
• Robert Williams

Momentum and confidence are also present over on the Celtics side, even with second-leading scorer Jaylen Brown sitting out (personal). They have the best record in the league and boast one of the top-rated offenses and defenses as well. Their recent stretch also have them winning seven of their last eight contests (also 7-1 ATS), registering 120.9 PPG in that span.

With Brown out, we should see Jayson Tatum (30.4 PPG) have the floor on offense. That OT loss in January was frustrating and he ought to have revenge on his mind. He’ll be in a favourable matchup against any of the Knick forwards.

Though as we know, this Celtics group is so deep that anyone between Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brogdon can suddenly produce big. White has 21.4 PPG and 7.0 APG in his last six, while Brogdon had three-straight games with 20-plus points prior to his last outing.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Celtics (-2.5) snap the Knicks win streak and cover the spread

Over/Under: Both are hot on offense lately. The total should hit the over (223).