The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks meet again after their respective season-openers. The Celtics won a tightly contested battle, 108-104

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

HOME: Boston Celtics (7-2, 4-0 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Jrue Holiday
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics are winners of two-straight games, and will be coming off a solid defensive performance, a 117-94 domination of the Toronto Raptors. It was the first time they held someone down below the century mark this season.

But, of course, defense is just half of it as the Celtics also possess a very potent offense. The starting five of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White are all capable scorers aside from their defense. Tatum and Porzingis, in particular, showed out in the season-opening win against the Knicks, scoring 34 and 30 points, respectively. Look for them to stay locked in tomorrow. Jaylen Brown is not to be outdone, and should be a force as well. He has dropped 28 and 29 points in his last two outings.

Boston is fourth in scoring at 120.2 points per game with a +13.1 net rating, which is far and away the best in the league.

AWAY: New York Knicks (5-4, 2-2 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

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

The Knicks have put together three straight victories. They were in complete control each time too, winning by 14, 21, and 22 points, a good indicator why they currently have the second-best defensive rating in the league.

Such a streak should be able to help the team’s confidence as they aim to even up the season series vs. the Celtics. Team stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle will remain front and center, especially since they only lost by four points despite them collectively shooting woeful 11-for-43 from the field. Randle appears to be in rhythm as of late as he has posted 27/10,  23/16/5, 23/5/5/3 in his last three games. The third man, meanwhile, RJ Barrett, should be assertive as well. He’s averaging a career-best 22.5 PPG on the season thus far. Lastly, sixth man Immanuel Quickley (15.3 PPG)  is the energy off-the-bench that’ll be key as to how they keep up with the Celtics offense. 

The Knicks are scoring 107.1 PPG and allowing 102.8.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Celtics (-8.5) win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 220.