The Knicks are coming off a huge win against the Pelicans, who are currently in the play-in slot, 128-106 Saturday night. Boston just had a game-winning three to beat the Philadelphia 76ers. A win in Monday night’s battle of the two Atlantic division rivals will be a statement for the Knicks and will see them climb above the new Brooklyn Nets, up to fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks’ acquisition of Jalen Brunson last summer accounts for one of two stars on this Knicks’ roster. Along with Brunson, this season has shone a light on Julius Randle as well. Regarded as a “down year” for the majority of last season (where the Knicks fell to 11th, out of the play-in), Randle has shown his capabilities to carry this Knicks’ team to a playoff spot. Along with this, he was named an All-Star and currently sits at seventh in this week’s Kia MVP ladder.
In their last matchup, the Knicks got the best of the Celtics, beating them 120-117 in an OT showdown. The Celtics were without the heart of their team and DPOY, Marcus Smart. The Celtics will also be facing the Knicks this time without a full lineup. Jaylen Brown is listed as out for personal reasons and Derrick White is probable with a right ankle sprain.
The Celtics 20-10 record on the road outshines the Knicks’ 17-15 record at home. They both share eight wins and two losses over their last 10 games.
Jayson Tatum has been putting up MVP numbers this season, although some would argue he’s been in a mid-season slump. He’s averaging 30.4 points per game, the most ever averaged in a season by a Celtic, while pulling down 8.7 rebounds and connecting on just under 5 assists per game.
Can Tatum pull another MVP-level performance or will Julius Randle rally the crowd to enhance his MVP case? The Celtics meet the Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 EST.
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