Celtics, Knicks Set for First Playoff Clash Since 2013

The NBA has released the full schedule for the highly anticipated Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, which begins Monday night in Boston. The Celtics, who are defending champions and heavy favorites after sweeping the regular-season series, will host Games 1 and 2, both starting at 7:00 p.m. ET on TNT. The series shifts to New York for Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden, with Game 3 as the only afternoon tipoff at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. If necessary, Games 5 and 7 would be played in Boston and Game 6 in New York, with Game 7 scheduled for May 19 at 8:00 p.m. on TNT. The Celtics enter the series with a clean injury report and the benefit of extra rest after a quick first-round victory, while the Knicks are seeking their first conference finals appearance in 25 years. This matchup renews one of the NBA’s oldest and most heated rivalries, with both teams boasting passionate fan bases and a storied postseason history.