Boston at New York

While this certainly looks like a rebuilding year for the Celtics, being without Jayson Tatum for the season, Boston has had this game circled. It was the Knicks who ended the Celtics' season, stunning Boston in the second round of the playoffs. So this is the Celtics' early-season revenge game of the year. The Celtics still have a strong backcourt with All-Star Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Payton Pritchard is an emerging player, too. The Knicks may not be as motivated as Boston following the successful debut of their new head coach, Mike Brown, in an impressive 119-111 home victory against the Cavaliers this past Wednesday. New York played without center Mitchell Robinson (knee) and forward Josh Hart (back) against the Cavaliers in its season opener. Robinson has already been ruled out for this game. Hart and star big man Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain) are questionable for this game. The Celtics are off a frustrating, 117-116, home loss to the 76ers two days ago. Twelve points outscored Boston in the fourth quarter of that game. They are a live underdog here. Take the Celtics.