Game 2: Knicks at Celtics
Tip-off:
7 p.m.
Series: Celtics lead, 1-0
Broadcast info: CSN/TNT, WEEI
Probable starters:
Celtics:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Jermaine O’Neal
Knicks:
PG: Toney Douglas
SG: Landry Fields
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Amar’e Stoudemire
C: Ronny Turiaf
Storylines:
Billups likely out: Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said yesterday that point guard Chauncey Billups was “very questionable”. Toney Douglas will get the start at the point if Billups can’t go. Douglas hit a clutch 3-pointer in Game 1, but Billups was considered by many to be the key player in this series for New York. If the veteran can’t go, the Knicks will need superhero performances from Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.
JO: Jermaine O’Neal made six shots from the field in Game 1, three fewer than he made during the entire playoffs last season. But the best thing O’Neal brought to Sunday’s game was a shot-blocking presence at the rim. He blocked four and altered several others. He gives the Knicks something to think about before taking it to the rack, and that’s something the Celtics haven’t had in a while.
Homecourt: The Celtics can put a vise grip on this series with a win tonight. It’ll mean a lot if they can go into Madison Square Garden knowing they only need one win there before coming back home. Game 1 was deflating for the Knicks because of how it ended. Game 2 would give the Celtics a serious mental edge.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com