Celtics Vs. Knicks: Boston Begins Quest Against Resurgent New York On Sunday

The Knicks are the exact opposite. New York finished No. 7 in the NBA in offense, and No. 22 in defense. The Knicks’ offense is buoyed by the No. 8 shooting clip in the league (.513 eFG), the fifth lowest turnover rate (12.6 percent) and the No. 4 foul drawing rate. Like the C’s, New York is mediocre on the offensive glass (No. 24), but the Knicks are overwhelming better at this offense thing than Boston.

Defense is where the Knicks lose it. New York has the No. 23 shooting defense, the No. 26 defensive rebounding rate and fouls more than all but six teams. The Knicks do create turnovers at a good rate (No. 8), and that’s one area Boston needs to keep heightened awareness.

Here’s the schedule:

Game 1: Sun., April 17 in Boston, 7 p.m., TNT

Game 2: Tue., April 19 in Boston, 7 p.m., TNT

Game 3: Fri., April 22 in New York, TBD, ESPN

Game 4: Sun., April 24 in New York, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Game 5: Tue., April 26 in Boston, TBD

Game 6: Fri., April 29 in New York, TBD

Game 7: Sun., May 1 in Boston, TBD

Amar’e Stoudemire has been resting for the Knicks, sitting in New York’s previous three games. He played huge minutes in the first half of the season as the Knicks pushed for the team’s first playoff bid since 2004.

In the NBA playoffs, there are no back-to-backs, and teams will frequently see two days of rest between games within a single series.