New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Prediction: No Shaq, No Problem
The Boston Celtics vs. the New York Knicks will be the most anticipated playoff matchup of round one.
It pits a veteran team trying to make one last run for a title against the new comer Knicks, making their first appearance in seven years. This series has the potential to go to seven games, but the first game will be all Boston Celtics.
The latest NBA Playoff Odds have the Celtics listed as 6.5 point favorites, a number they will easily cover today.
No Shaq
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When the Celtics traded away Kendrick Perkins, it seemed as though they traded away the chance for a ring. With a lack of a big man other teams would tear up the Celtics inside. When it was announced on Saturday that Shaquille O’Neal would miss the first game of the series, it is easy to panic.
The Celtics won’t need him. Shaq would have been rusty considering he has only played six minutes in the last two weeks and the Knicks don’t attack inside. For the Celtics it will be business as usual.
Melo gets a dose of the truth
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Carmelo Anthony is the Knicks best player and he is playing great basketball heading into the playoffs. That is exactly why Celtics coach Doc Rivers called on Paul Pierce to defend Melo.
Pierce gets excited to play defense against the best players on the opposing team. Pierce will attack Melo from the onslaught and engage in a one-on-one battle that is must see T.V.
KG = Trouble
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Amar’e Stoudemire and Kevin Garnett will be another exciting matchup and while Stoudemire will get more points, KG will get under his skin.
Garnett has a way of using his intimidation on the floor to disrupt the offensive flow of the opposition. KG is slowly putting a great year together and his presence in this game will be one of the many reasons the Celtics win.
X-Factor Rondo
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Rajon Rondo’s output has steadily declined since the trade of his good friend, Kendrick Perkins. That will change today as the playoff will bring renewed focus. While Chauncey Billups is a veteran that is known for hitting the big shot in games like this, he will not be able to keep up with Rondo on defense. Rondo can use the dribble to blow past Billups and this could prompt a change on defense.
Don’t be surprised if Toney Douglas comes in for long stretches to guard Rondo, which will take away some offensive output for the Knicks.
Prediction
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This is the start of a great series between two teams with a long rich tradition of great basketball. The Celtics seem to have every advantage in this game to include defense, bench, and role players. A rested Celtics team will win game one easily as they take the advantage in the series.
Final: Boston Celtics 104, NY Knicks 90
Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at mregaw@gmail.com.
