Knicks: Ranking 7 most entertaining potential Christmas Day opponents
![MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates after hitting the game winning shot with 1.7 second left on the clock against the Miami Heat at Miami-Dade on March 03, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates after hitting the game winning shot with 1.7 second left on the clock against the Miami Heat at Miami-Dade on March 03, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/948bc58f4baff40ee4432b40b33df5265efe94fac26f750be65613e28542ac0f.jpg)
2. Boston Celtics
In what could be a true measuring stick for the new-look New York Knicks early on in the season, a potential matchup with the Boston Celtics could offer plenty of intrigue in a possible Christmas Day matchup. There’s a very real case to be made that the Celtics should be viewed as the favorite to win the Eastern Conference heading into the season. After adding Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics may have the best starting 5 in the league (outside of maybe Phoenix).
If the Celtics can remain healthy and play to their ceiling, this is a team that will have a great chance to win a championship this season. The Knicks being able to see where they stand on Christmas Day against the favorites in the conference would offer quite the entertainment. And not only for Knicks or Celtics fans but also for fans across the league.
Plus, a Celtics-Knicks matchup on Christmas does sound appealing. The Boston-New York rivalry also hits differently than many other rivalries in the NBA. If both teams are as good as many project them to be this season, a matchup between the two on Christmas Day could headline this year’s slate.