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The Celtics had to wait an extra couple days, but they know their second-round opponent as they’ll face the Knicks. New York beat Detroit in six games in the first round as just about every game came down to the wire.
In the meantime, the Celtics got some rest. The C’s beat the Magic in the first round in a 4-1 series victory, securing their fourth straight trip to the second round. Game 1 of the Celtics-Knicks series is set for Monday, May 5 at TD Garden. Here’s a look at the full schedule.
It’s the first time the Celtics and Knicks will meet in the playoffs since 2013, which New York won 4-2. That was also the last time Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett wore a Boston uniform as they were sent to Brooklyn in the offseason after the season.
Here are four key things to know as the Celtics face the Knicks in the second round:
Celtics swept season series: Now, that doesn’t necessarily translate to the playoffs even though the C’s won all four games against their division rivals. Three of the four games were double-digit C’s victories; the average scoring margin favored Boston at plus-16.3. The last time the teams met was a close one as the C’s narrowly won in overtime in New York. But as of now, it’s looking like a decent matchup for the Celtics against the Knicks.
Eye on the 3s: Notably, the Celtics had plenty of success on 3-pointers against New York. They tied the NBA record with 29 made 3s in the season opener, which was also ring night. The Celtics also got up plenty of 3-pointers from a volume standpoint, averaging 45.5 attempts over those four games. That’s a significant difference than the Magic series as Orlando stymied Boston from putting up attempts from beyond the arc. So that’s an area to watch carefully come the second-round series.
Nursing injuries: The C’s will go nearly a week between playoff games, which they earned for beating the Magic in five games. That’s important considering multiple starters dealt with injury issues throughout the first round. Jayson Tatum’s right wrist injury has been well-documented, though he was excellent playing through it against Orlando. Jaylen Brown played every game despite his knee injury as he’s battled a recent bone bruise. Jrue Holiday also missed the final three games of the series due to a hamstring strain. So even though the Celtics will be favored over the Knicks, even beyond this series, those injuries are an important factor for the reigning champs.
Former team: Kristaps Porzingis will see the playoff stage against his former team. He was drafted by the Knicks at No. 4 overall back in the 2015 NBA Draft, spending the first three years of his career in New York. The big man didn’t play in the first two games against the Knicks this season. Porzingis struggled against the Magic, but he should have a better matchup against the Knicks to spread them out. Porzingis will get a chance at a bounce-back series after some quiet games facing Orlando.
Read the original article on MassLive.
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In the meantime, the Celtics got some rest. The C’s beat the Magic in the first round in a 4-1 series victory, securing their fourth straight trip to the second round. Game 1 of the Celtics-Knicks series is set for Monday, May 5 at TD Garden. Here’s a look at the full schedule.
It’s the first time the Celtics and Knicks will meet in the playoffs since 2013, which New York won 4-2. That was also the last time Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett wore a Boston uniform as they were sent to Brooklyn in the offseason after the season.
Here are four key things to know as the Celtics face the Knicks in the second round:
Celtics swept season series: Now, that doesn’t necessarily translate to the playoffs even though the C’s won all four games against their division rivals. Three of the four games were double-digit C’s victories; the average scoring margin favored Boston at plus-16.3. The last time the teams met was a close one as the C’s narrowly won in overtime in New York. But as of now, it’s looking like a decent matchup for the Celtics against the Knicks.
Eye on the 3s: Notably, the Celtics had plenty of success on 3-pointers against New York. They tied the NBA record with 29 made 3s in the season opener, which was also ring night. The Celtics also got up plenty of 3-pointers from a volume standpoint, averaging 45.5 attempts over those four games. That’s a significant difference than the Magic series as Orlando stymied Boston from putting up attempts from beyond the arc. So that’s an area to watch carefully come the second-round series.
Nursing injuries: The C’s will go nearly a week between playoff games, which they earned for beating the Magic in five games. That’s important considering multiple starters dealt with injury issues throughout the first round. Jayson Tatum’s right wrist injury has been well-documented, though he was excellent playing through it against Orlando. Jaylen Brown played every game despite his knee injury as he’s battled a recent bone bruise. Jrue Holiday also missed the final three games of the series due to a hamstring strain. So even though the Celtics will be favored over the Knicks, even beyond this series, those injuries are an important factor for the reigning champs.
Former team: Kristaps Porzingis will see the playoff stage against his former team. He was drafted by the Knicks at No. 4 overall back in the 2015 NBA Draft, spending the first three years of his career in New York. The big man didn’t play in the first two games against the Knicks this season. Porzingis struggled against the Magic, but he should have a better matchup against the Knicks to spread them out. Porzingis will get a chance at a bounce-back series after some quiet games facing Orlando.
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- NBA announces Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks second round schedule
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Read the original article on MassLive.
Continue reading...
