Boston Celtics to face New York Knicks in 2nd round of playoffs

The Celtics will officially face the Knicks in the playoffs for the first time since 2013. New York needed a bit of extra time, but it got the win over the Pistons in Game 6 to advance to the second round.

Game 1 of the second-round series is set for Monday, May 5 at TD Garden. Here’s the full schedule between the C’s and Knicks. The Celtics have already been resting up since they beat the Magic in the first round, completing the five-game series win Tuesday.

The Celtics will be favored to beat the Knicks, though they won’t look past any game. Boston swept New York in the season series 4-0, though that doesn’t necessarily translate to playoff success. Still, the reigning champions will be expected to make it back to the East Finals.

The Knicks overcame the Pistons in a thrilling Game 6 on Thursday in Detroit, securing the 4-2 series victory. New York went up 3-1 in the series, and while the Pistons stole Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks won all three road games in Detroit.

The Celtics downed the Magic in a physical series, finishing them off in Game 5 in Boston. The C’s get a solid amount of rest ahead of the second round as they’re banged up. Jayson Tatum (wrist), Jaylen Brown (knee) and Jrue Holiday (hamstring) all have been slowed down throughout the playoffs.

There should be plenty of anticipation for this series between the division foes. They haven’t met in the playoffs in more than a decade and the rivalry between the cities is well-documented.

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