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New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: How to watch, preview and prediction

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 15: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks to pass as he is defended by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of their preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 15: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks to pass as he is defended by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of their preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Matchup To Watch: The Point Guards

The New York Knicks have talent at point guard, but the general theory is that the position is still a work in progress. Frank Ntilikina is a rookie on an injured ankle, Ron Baker is adapting to a new role, and both Ramon Sessions and Jarrett Jack are struggling to find their form.

Regardless of what happens on the offensive end of the floor, the Knicks will need to step up on defense against the Boston Celtics’ deep cast of point guards.

Four-time All-Star and 2016 NBA champion Kyrie Irving leads one of the most balanced group of point guards in the Association. Irving is a proven commodity as a dynamic scoring threat who’s beginning to come into his own as a facilitator.

He’s complemented by defensive specialists Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier, as well as a seemingly resurgent Shane Larkin—players who provide strength in numbers.

Baker should continue to provide a strong defensive impact, but he’ll need help. Neither Jack nor Sessions are known for their defense, which means they’ll need to make the most of however many minutes they receive by creating a steady flow on offense.

Whether or not Ntilikina plays, the Knicks will only be able to win this game if the point guards at least hold their own against the Celtics’ deep rotation.

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