The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will go head-to-head for their season opener on Wednesday, October 25. The two Eastern Conference franchises usually serve up a good contest. Recently, the Knicks have been a tough opponent for the Celtics.
However, Boston has seriously re-tooled their roster during the offense, and now, they're viewed as potential NBA champions.
On the other hand, New York has made smart additions but has not swung for the fences. Donte DiVincenzo is their primary addition as the Knicks continue to enhance their Villanova connection. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are also Villanova products and bring toughness to Tom Thibodeau's rotation.
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New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Injury Report
Neither team has any players listed on their injury report at the time of writing. Both rosters will be heading into their season opener will a clean bill of health. As such, we should expect to see a full-strength rotation from both teams as they look to get an early jump on their season.
Of course, injury reports are fluid, and players could be added to the report throughout the day. However, fans of both teams will be hoping that isn't the case as they get set for an exciting game between two division rivals.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Predicted Lineups
It makes sense to expect both Joe Mazzulla and Tom Thibodeau to utilize their roster's depth to begin the season. Coaches usually shorten their rotations as the postseason draws near. As such, we're going to operate under the notion both coaches will lean on a 10-man rotation (although it's likely going to be eight or nine.)
Here is how those potential rotations could look
Boston Celtics
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
- Al Horford
- Payton Pritchard
- Sam Hauser
- Luke Kornet
- Lamar Stevens
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson
- Josh Hart
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Mitchell Robinson
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Immanuel Quickley
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Miles McBride
- Jericho Sims
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: Predicted Starting 5
Here is the projected starting five for the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks ahead of their season opener.
Boston Celtics
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson
- Donte DiVincenzo
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Mitchell Robinson
New York and Boston both have considerable depth throughout their roster. Mazzulla and Thibodeau could spring some surprises in their starting lineups as they look to counteract matchup issues or to create an early advantage.
Nevertheless, most top-end talents on both teams are shoo-ins to get their first start of the season on October 25.
Boston Celtics Nation! You can check out the latest Boston Celtics Schedule and dive into the Celtics Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.