Final: Celtics 131, Knicks 104 - Tatum leads thorough domination of Knicks

BOSTON CELTICS (36-16) at NEW YORK KNICKS (34-17)

Madison Square Garden, 8:30 p.m. - ABC

Line: Celtics -4.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, illness) Jrue Holiday (OUT, shoulder), Torrey Craig (OUT, ankle)

New York: OG Anunoby (OUT, foot), Pacome Dadiet (OUT, toe), Mitchell Robinson (OUT, ankle)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Bouncing back on the road: If the pattern holds, the Celtics should come out with some fire, energy, and focus. Make Towns defend, attack Jalen Brunson, and force the Knicks cover for one another. 

2. Jayson Tatum putting on a show: He stunk on ice against Dallas. I don’t think he’ll do that twice, especially in a Saturday night TNT game. I think Tatum has a 40-spot in him tonight. 

3. Porzingis protecting the paint: The Knicks are sixth in the NBA if restricted area field goal attempts, but 13th in percentage. If Porzingis can keep on protecting the rim like he did on the recent road trip, the Celtics can shut that down and get out in transition off Knicks misses. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.