How Do the Boston Celtics Match Up with the New York Knicks?

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks engaged in a first round series two years ago, where the C's swept New York.

However, the Knicks were ravaged by injuries and played well in the first two games of the series.

In 2012, both teams are different. For one, the Celtics and Knicks are both much deeper than they were when they met.

In addition, personnel changes have been made in New York, with the more defensive-minded Mike Woodson replaced erratic Mike D'Antoni.

Both teams will be competing for the Atlantic Division crown, and even an Eastern Conference title.

Now it's time to see which team is better right now.

Each component of each team is rated like a boxing match, to see whether the Knicks or the Celtics have the advantage next season.

Rajon Rondo over Raymond Felton: 10-8

Avery Bradley over J.R. Smith: 10-9

Carmelo Anthony over Paul Pierce: 10-9

Amar'e Stoudemire over Brandon Bass: 10-9

Kevin Garnett and Tyson Chandler: EVEN

Celtics Bench over Knicks Bench: 10-8

Doc Rivers over Mike Woodson: 10-9

In this case, the Celtics have a huge edge over the Knicks, carrying a four point edge over their Atlantic Division rivals.

While Raymond Felton is definitely an above-average point guard, he is nowhere near Rajon Rondo's level. Rondo will be easily exploit Felton's defensive deficiencies, likely breaking down the New York defense with ease.

Avery Bradley is slightly better than J.R. Smith, due in part to his outstanding abilities as a defender. Bradley did average 15.1 points per game in April, when he played 32.9 minutes per game.

Smith quite frankly, is an inefficient player who struggles playing on a team.

Both Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce are perennial All-Stars, who do not shy away from taking big shots. At this point in his career, Pierce is worse than Anthony, who is younger and a better shooter than "The Truth."

On the surface it might seem that Amar'e Stoudemire is much better than Bass, especially because he is a bigger name and also due to his great offensive game.

However, Stoudemire had an extremely inefficient season, averaging only 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds, while continuing his terrible defensive ways.

Bass is one of the more underrated players in the league, averaging 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in only 31.7 minutes of work.

Tyson Chandler and Kevin Garnett would be the match up to watch. While Chandler is likely the better defensive player, KG has a greater offensive repertoire than the New York center.

Both players' abilities would likely cancel each other out as both are fringe All-Stars.

Boston breaks away from New York with the last two components: bench and coach.

The Celtics have a deep and younger bench, with Jason Terry, Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger, Chris Wilcox and Fab Melo. With Mickael Pietrus and Keyon Dooling possibly re-signing too, Boston has probably the best second unit in the league.

The Knicks' bench is not shabby, but Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas are all over 38 years old. Once Iman Shumpert comes back from his ACL injury, the Knicks will have the on-ball defender that they sorely need.

However, New York's second unit can't compare to Boston's.

In terms of coaching, Doc Rivers is one of the best in the business. Save Gregg Popovich, there really is not a better head coach in the league.

Mike Woodson is a great defensive mind, but Rivers is still an upgrade over the Knicks coach.

At the end of the day, New York really is not a threat to Boston. While they have the superstars that every big market team yearns for, the Knicks are likely not going to be a contender for a title, as long as Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony are on the same team.

Look for Boston to roll over New York if they play this season in the playoffs.