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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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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 21: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on October 21, 2017. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 21: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on October 21, 2017. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key Point Of Emphasis: Dominating The Boards

The New York Knicks are strong in multiple areas, but the primary strength of the current roster is its ability to dominate the offensive glass. Against a Boston Celtics team that’s currently overachieving as rebounders, that will be a critical advantage.

If the Knicks can win the battle on the boards, victory will be an attainable goal—no matter what else transpires on the court.

Aron Baynes has been the key to Boston’s early success on the boards, with Al Horford and Marcus Morris being what they’ve long been: Well-rounded players and below-average rebounders. Baynes is more than solid, but the Knicks’ big men should dominate this game.

Between Willy Hernangomez, Enes Kanter, and Kyle O’Quinn, head coach Jeff Hornacek should have no qualms about using his entire depth chart at center.

Horford, Morris, and Jayson Tatum could give those players trouble at power forward, but the gain would be worth it. Hernangomez, Kanter, and O’Quinn are all legitimately elite rebounders, and Kristaps Porzingis should have no trouble crashing the boards over Tatum, Horford, or Morris.

If the Knicks make it a point to pound the interior and protect the defensive glass, then they should control the pace of this game.

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