The New York Knicks will have the opportunity to return to the conference finals on tonight’s home floor for the first time since 2000.
Knicks vs Celtics Game 6 Preview
The Celtics don’t fall without a fight, despite losing Jason Tatum to Achilles’ tears in Game 4 and getting little production from Christaps Porzingis due to illness.
Derrick White led the way at TD Garden in Game 5, giving the Defending Champions a new life back to Madison Square Garden on Friday with 34 points and 26 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and 12 assists from Jaylen Brown.
The star simply didn’t line up for the postseason Celtics as he aims to become the first background champion since the 2017 and 2018 Golden State Warriors, but he hasn’t died yet.
If New York can get past the previous line here, the Eastern Conference finals await the Indiana Pacers, but the series’ momentum is steadily shaking in Boston’s favor.
After the Celtics blew a 20-point lead off a back-to-back 20-point lead, Boston has scored a PR 100 possession of 129.6 points since the Knicks took a 2-0 lead in the series.
The Celtics have won five of their six games at MSG this season and have recently enjoyed the best year in history, so Joe Mazzulla’s side certainly isn’t a pushover despite the injury issues.
Only 13 teams have overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the series, and it appears even tougher considering the Celtics are missing out on the best players.
Jalen Brunson’s 29.4 points lead the game in the playoffs, and the Knicks are in the driver’s seat to close the home turf series, but need solid production and defense from Karl Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
Watch: Derrick White and Jalen Brown live on the Celtics in Game 5
Knicks vs Celtics injury
New York Knicks Injury
There are no injuries to report
Boston Celtics Injury
f Jason Tatum (Achilles; Out)
Which TV channel is the Knicks vs. Celtics?
Knicks vs Celtics Game 6 will air nationwide on ESPN.