Tonight's Matchup: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Where: TD Garden
TV: MSG Network (7:30 p.m.)
Knicks Report (10-45)
Tonight, the Knicks look to bounce back from Sunday's defeat at the hands of Cleveland, in which Derek Fisher's squad outscored the Cavs, 66-65, for the final three quarters but couldn't overcome a 38-17 1st quarter deficit.
New York is still learning to play without Carmelo Anthony (knee surgery) and other vets that have departed over the past few weeks; replacing an All-Star's production doesn't fall on one person, and the team looks to its backcourt of Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway to lead.
The frontcourt rotation is still sorting itself out, but Andrea Bargnani's return has added some consistency to the mix; in three games back, he's scored 11 points in each and pulled down five rebounds twice and six rebounds once. The starting duo of Lou Amundson and Jason Smith has shown signs of chemistry within the Triangle.
Celtics Report (21-33)
The last time these two teams met (Feb. 3 at MSG), the Knicks had trouble containing Boston's perimeter attack, led by Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, who combined for 39 points and 7 rebounds. Since then, the Celtics have won eight of 11 games and enter tonight with a new weapon: Isaiah Thomas. True to form, the former Suns' guard that Boston acquired at the trade deadline is averaging 21 points and 5 assists in his two games in green.
Game Notes
Fisher said that Shane Larkin (illness) will not play tonight but could be available later this week. Lance Thomas (groin) and Cleanthony Early (ankle) are also both out. With both Thomas and Early out, Fisher will have to find another option to start tonight -- perhaps Tim Hardaway Jr.
UPDATE: Hardaway will indeed get the start and Early will be available to play.