Ready or not, it’s time to light up Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs. And what better way to kick things off than a classic? The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics are set to clash in Game 1, which promises to be a gritty, drama-packed showdown.
It’s not just another playoff game; this one carries decades of history, bruises, and buzzer-beaters. With both teams coming in relatively healthy and riding momentum, TD Garden is about to get loud.
Knicks vs Celtics Injury Report for Game 1
No injuries. Yup, you read that right. That might be the biggest win before tip-off even happens.
The Boston Celtics, who walked through the Orlando Magic with ease in Round 1, have a clean bill of health. Notably, Jayson Tatum is back in full swing after missing Game 2 of the previous series with a wrist issue. He still led Boston in both scoring (31.3 ppg) and boards (11.3 rpg) over the series. Well, because he is on a hot streak and refusing to slow down.
MORE: Jaylen Brown Drops Massive Injury Update Ahead of Celtics’ Game 1 Clash vs. Knicks
The New York Knicks also come into this one injury-free, which is great news considering how much physicality it took to knock out the Detroit Pistons in six games. Clutch Player of the Year winner Jalen Brunson, who was dominant in the first round with 31.5 points and 8.2 dimes a night, it would be fair to believe that he will be raring to go.
No minute restrictions. No late scratches. No excuses. Both squads are coming in loaded.
Knicks vs Celtics Predicted Lineups for Game 1
The projected starting fives are stacked, and there’s no shortage of star power here.
Boston Celtics:
- Derrick White
- Jrue Holiday
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
New York Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson
- Mikal Bridges
- Josh Hart
- OG Anunoby
- Karl-Anthony Towns
Boston swept New York 4-0 in the regular season, and the first one was a 132-109 beatdown on opening night. But let’s not pretend that regular-season energy translates 1:1 in the playoffs. The last matchup was a nail-biter, a 119-117 edge-out at Madison Square Garden. It’s fair to say this series will be a lot more balanced than the record shows.
The Knicks have upgraded their depth and toughness with Bridges and Towns, while Boston remains Boston: defensively sharp, offensively scary, and wildly experienced.
Which is why the secondary units might play a bigger role outside of the starting lineups. For the Celtics, Payton Pritchard, Al Horford and Sam Hauser should look to make an impact on this series. On the other hand, Cam Payne, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet should hope to do the same on New York’s behalf.
Game 1 will tip off Monday at 7:00 p.m. ET at TD Garden, airing nationally on TNT, with streaming available on NBA League Pass, Fubo TV, and Max.
