The Celtics beat the Bobcats on Saturday and arrive in New York on a 10-game spree, but they'll take on a Knicks team Wednesday night that's won eight-straight games of its own. It's been an incredible run for both teams, but unfortunately one streak must come to an end at Madison Square Garden.
When and Where
Celtics at Knicks
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
Notes
The Celtics have owned their head-to-head matchup with the Knicks in more ways than one — historically (they're 270-170 all-time), recently (they went 3-1 last season), and even more recently (they won 105-101 in their first meeting this year, at the TD Garden on Oct. 29).
Shaquille O'Neal says he's feeling better after his recent battle with calf pain, and he's optimistic about playing Wednesday against the Knicks. But nothing is certain yet, and we'll have to play this situation by ear.
The Knicks had a six-game losing streak earlier this season — Amare Stoudemire averaged 22.7 points per game in those contests, including just 14 in a pitiful loss to the Timberwolves. In New York's current eight-game winning streak, Amare has scored 30-plus every time and is averaging 33.9.
Raymond Felton is the other major newcomer to the Big Apple, and he's the other big reason the Knicks are lighting the world on fire this December. He had 17 assists and only two turnovers in the Knicks' win Sunday over the Nuggets.
Kevin Garnett has slipped to fourth in the NBA in defensive rebounds, at 198. He now trails Kevin Love (259), Dwight Howard (202) and Blake Griffin (200).
Paul Pierce shot just 4-for-17 (23.5 percent) in the Celtics' two road games last week.
Outlook
Two things stand out about the last time the Celtics played the Knicks this season, on Oct. 29 — Amare Stoudemire was an absolute force offensively, and Rajon Rondo went wild with 24 assists. We're likely to see more of the same on Wednesday night, and the game may come down to who imposes their will better. Will it be Amare singlehandedly dominating the Knicks' offense for another win, or will Rondo control the Celtics' ball movement and give a solid, efficient performance on the road? It's a contrast in styles, and only one can prevail.
