Celtics vs. Knicks: Boston Must Build Momentum Against Possible Playoff Opponent

The race for the Atlantic Division is nearly over, and barring some insane meltdown, Boston is poised to claim the banner over the closest opposition, the New York Knicks.

These two foes meet for the fourth and last time during the regular season, with the Celtics up 2-1 going into the meeting.

Boston will be looking to finish off an opponent that has not even been able split the series since the 2003-04 season.

It would be a great win with the postseason just around the corner, and an opportune time to give all of the Big Three some playing time against a hungry squad that will not roll over.

Rajon Rondo has been relied on heavily over the past few games with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett either inactive or hindered by injury.

It’s now possible that all of them will be on the court for tonight’s 8:00 p.m. ET tipoff.

The Celtics are still managing to compete at a high level, despite The Boston Globe’s Bob Ryan saying the aging group was in “year five of a three-year plan” and many other pundits writing them off as completely washed up after the Kendrick Perkins trade last season.

They have weathered injury and poor play to start the season and are peaking at just the right time.

If they can run away with their division, finish 3-1 in the series with potential playoff implications and capture the No. 4 seed in the East, this Celtics team is poised to make noise and do some real damage this postseason in what should be the last hurrah of the Big Three era.

Boston can build momentum for that inevitable run tonight by knocking out the Knicks and solidifying their spot on top of the Atlantic.