Knicks Face Celtics in High-Stakes Playoff Showdown

The New York Knicks enter their second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics as clear underdogs, having lost all four regular-season matchups by an average margin of over 16 points and struggling defensively against Boston's elite shooting. While the Knicks have bolstered their roster with acquisitions like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges and rely heavily on Jalen Brunson's scoring prowess, analysts widely expect the Celtics' depth and high-powered offense, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, to prevail. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the need for a disciplined team defensive effort to contain Brunson, acknowledging his ability to make plays but stressing that it cannot be a one-man job. For the Knicks, players beyond Brunson and Anunoby face significant pressure to prove their value, particularly Deuce McBride, whose recent struggles could undermine New York’s competitive chances if not addressed. The Celtics, despite their regular-season dominance, are not taking past results for granted as they prepare for a potentially tougher postseason challenge. The consensus among experts and ESPN analysts is that Boston is strongly favored to advance, but the Knicks aim to defy expectations and tighten their defense to keep the series competitive.