Celtics (42-24) vs. Knicks (24-43)
Game time: 7:30pm, TD Garden. TV - CSN, Radio - WEEI-AM (850)
Team Leaders
Scoring
Bos: Pierce - 17.5 Knicks: David Lee - 20.0
Rebounding
Bos: Perkins - 7.7 Knicks: David Lee - 11.8
Assists
Bos: Rondo - 9.7 Knicks: Chris Duhon - 6.1
Who'll go off: Ray Allen. I picked him the last time these teams played and he delivered with 24 points.
Who needs to be stopped: David Lee. He torched Boston for 28 pts, 15 rebounds on Feb 23.
The C's will lose if... they don't come out with the same focus and defensive intensity we saw vs Detroit. The Knicks can suck you into a sloppy, up tempo game and that's not the Celtics strong suit.
Miscellany: The Celtics lead the season series 2-0. Eddie House is shooting 24% 3PT since the trade. Rookie PG Toney Douglas is averaging 20.5 points and 7.5 assists in the last two games as a starter. The Knicks have won their last two road games against Philly and Dallas. The Celtics are 32-12 with their regular starting five.
Prediction: Celtics 111 - Knicks 101