NBA Christmas Day opens with a marquee rivalry game: the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks. The game airs at noon on ESPN and can be live-streamed on WatchESPN and MSG Go.
Celtics vs. Knicks 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
This is an important game for East playoff positioning.
The Knicks entered the season retooled with a veteran roster built around Carmelo Anthony and emerging superstar Kristaps Porzingis. After adding Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee, New York is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Boston, on the other hand, built on top of its continued success this summer by signing coveted big man Al Horford during free agency. The Celtics finished in a tie for third in the Eastern Conference last season and are poised to challenge the Toronto Raptors as top contenders to the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks (16-13) enter Christmas Day No. 4 in the East, racking up seven wins in their last 10 games. New York rebounded from a three-game losing streak thanks to Derrick Rose, who returned from back spasms to score 43 points in the Knicks last two games.
Boston (17-13) enters Christmas coming off a loss to the Thunder, although it had won four games before that. The Celtics beat the Knicks in their first of four matchups on Nov. 11, 115-87.
How to Watch
Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks
Tip-Off: Noon ET
TV Broadcast: CSNE, MSG, ESPN
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Live Stream: MSGGo, WatchESPN
3 things to know
The Knicks’ new additions are paying off
New York made consecutive blockbuster moves this summer, trading for Rose then signing Noah, Lee, and Brandon Jennings to free-agent contracts. The results have been tangible.
The Knicks have a winning record and are on pace to make the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. New York also has had a steady supply of reserve big men, stemming from the surprising play of rookie Willy Hernangomez.
It’s no secret: Al Horford is a really good basketball player, and he’s left his mark on Boston already. The Celtics are nearly 10 points better with Horford on the floor than they are without him. He anchors their defense (2.2 blocks per game) and has been the difference-maker for his team this season.
Boston’s so-so record is in large part because Horford missed time while recovering from a concussion.
Knicks vs. Celtics will have a playoff-like atmosphere
Any time New York and Boston teams collide, there’s an added intensity because of the geographical rivalry. But both the Knicks and Celtics are competing for the Atlantic Division’s top record, and there is a possibility the two teams will meet each other in the playoffs.
Anthony and Celtics forward Jae Crowder have some history. The Knicks’ All-Star inadvertently hit Crowder in the face with an elbow in February and was assessed a flagrant foul. Their history could incite a fierce Christmas Day competition.
As it stands now, Boston sits at third in the East and the Knicks are fourth. Sunday’s game has playoff implications.
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