This Saturday, two of the NBA's most iconic teams, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, will face off in what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Celtics, currently holding the top seed in the East, are riding a seven-game winning streak, while the Knicks, sitting at fourth place, recently halted a four-game losing skid.
Having dominated their matchups this season, with the Celtics winning all three games against the Knicks, the stage is set for an intense showdown between these historic rivals. This upcoming game will mark the 493rd regular-season meeting between the Celtics and Knicks, the most in NBA history. The Celtics have emerged victorious in 303 of these encounters, establishing a significant historical advantage.
Statistically, the Celtics have been a force to be reckoned with this season, ranking first in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency. Only three teams in the past 25 years have achieved such high rankings in both categories, two of which went on to win NBA championships.
Noteworthy performances from players like Jalen Brunson, who has recorded an impressive 22 30-point games this season, have propelled the Knicks to their current position in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the team's defensive prowess took a hit following an injury to OG Anunoby, resulting in a slip in defensive efficiency rankings.
Despite recent challenges, both teams are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup that promises to showcase the rich history and competitive spirit of the NBA. Fans can expect a thrilling game as the Celtics and Knicks renew their storied rivalry on the basketball court.
