The New York Knicks arrive at TD Garden this Sunday, Jan. 17 afternoon at 1 p.m. eastern time to take on a streaking Boston Celtics who have won five in a row with a few key players out or questionable.
Guard Alec Burks had been carrying a fair amount of the team’s scoring load before twisting his ankle earlier this season, and while getting closer to a return, is listed as “doubtful” for the contest, and guard Frank Ntilikina is a definitive scratch with a sprained right knee. Both center Mitchell Robinson (contused right heel) and big man Nerlens Noel (sore lower back) are listed as probable, so besides the lack of backcourt depth, the Knicks are in a comparatively healthy spot compared to Boston.
Kemba Walker upgraded to “questionable” vs. New York Knicks https://t.co/H22aQYyl53
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 17, 2021
The Celtics will continue to be without All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum as he recovers from an asymptomatic COVID-19 diagnosis, as is the case with center Robert Williams III.
Guard Carsen Edwards is listed as “out” in the league’s health and safety protocols, and wing Romeo Langford will also be a scratch as he is still recovering from wrist surgery.
Big men Daniel Theis (sprained right middle finger) and Tacko Fall (left ankle sprain) are both questionable for the contest, and Kemba Walker had been upgraded to questionable, but was revealed by the team as available Sunday morning, with a minutes-restriction of 20 minutes for his season debut according to head coach Brad Stevens.
