Celtics Vs. Knicks, Game 1: Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire Invade Boston

The Boston Celtics struggled to the finish last season only to make a starry-eyed run to the NBA Finals, where they lost in seven games. That is to say that it's difficult to accurately judge the Celtics' title hopes based on the team's recent performance. The whole flip switch thing is inconsistent and cliché, but that's pretty much what Boston did last season. The Celtics flipped the switch, and whomped the Heat, Cavaliers and Magic on their way to the Finals.

If that's going to happen again this season, we'll know soon. The New York Knicks, Boston's first round opponent, are no slouch. They aren't, perhaps, as good as many thought they'd be; the defense is atrocious, and there's a particular hole at center, where Mike D'Antoni often drops Shawne Williams to add to New York's offense, replacing defender Ronny Turiaf.

But Boston may not be able to capitalize on New York's biggest weakness; Shaquille O'Neal is out for Game 1 at least, and neither Jermaine O'Neal or Nenad Krstic will drop 20 in the paint. The Celtics will still score plenty in the paint, from Kevin Garnett to the penetration of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. But if the regular Knicks defend with playoff intensity, a blow-out is not predestined. And on the other end, the Knicks are the type of team -- with shooters and paint scorers alike -- who can push the incredible Celtics' defense to its limit.

Carmelo Anthony has a lot of pressure to get the Knicks a win in one of these games, and if Boston stomps, expect those familiar catcalls aimed at New York and its newest star to increase in frequency and volume. But if the stars align and 'Melo and Amar'e Stoudemire can pull off an upset? The hype will be phenomenal.