Celtics vs. Knicks: When everything settles after the NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks will be playing on distinct paths in 2023–24. The Celtics, who continue to lead the Eastern Conference, made the stable decision to forego any significant changes.
In the meanwhile, the Knicks added two noteworthy players to their roster: OG Anunoby earlier in January and Bojan Bogdanovic. In-depth analysis of the two teams’ play, major player signings, and potential effects on their postseason paths—which might include a matchup between the Celtics and Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals—are covered in this article.
Comparison of Celtics vs. Knicks after 2024 Trade Deadline
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Check out the complete analysis of Celtics vs. Knicks after the 2024 trade deadline below:
Celtics vs. Knicks: Starting Lineups
- Boston Celtics: Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis
- New York Knicks: OG Anunoby, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Isaiah Hartenstein
The Knicks use Jalen Brunson, a point guard who has become a scoring machine with an average of 27.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, as a point guard. This puts him directly in line with the seasoned Celtic playmaker Jrue Holiday, who averages 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. The offensive explosiveness of Brunson offers the Knicks a big edge when it comes to backcourt coordination.
Derrick White, who moves to the shooting guard position, offers the Celtics a well-rounded game with 15.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. The defensive strength and offensive contributions of the Knicks’ OG Anunoby—who averages 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists—meet his flexibility. This matchup is crucial to the game because it highlights not just scoring and playmaking but also the influence on the defensive end.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum, a power forward, leads the team in scoring and rebounding (27.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists). He will play the Knicks’ Julius Randle, who averages 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists and is a formidable player in his own way. Two versatile forwards square off in this game, with Tatum’s ability to score giving the Celtics a big advantage.
Kristaps Porzingis, who plays centre, is the Celtics’ main man and provides an offensive spark with his 20.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. The centre for the Knicks, Isaiah Hartenstein, prioritises rebounds, pulling down 8.7 rebounds while dishing out 2.0 assists and 7.1 points. Porzingis’s flexibility as a scorer is showcased in this duel versus Hartenstein’s emphasis on board control.
Advantage: Boston Celtics
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Bench
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- Boston Celtics: Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, Jaden Springer, Payton Pritchard, Svi Mykhailiuk, Al Horford, Neemias Queta, Luke Kornet
- New York Knicks: Donte DiVincenzo, Alec Burks, Miles McBride, Josh Hart, Precious Achiuwa, Taj Gibson, Jericho Sims
The importance of the bench in the chess match that is an NBA game cannot be emphasised. Both the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks have standout second units that are essential to their teams’ overall success.
The Celtics’ bench is made up of both fresh, exciting players and seasoned veterans. Veteran veteran Al Horford offers variety and leadership, and young players like Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard give fresh enthusiasm.
The New York Knicks, on the other hand, take pride in their bench, which has been essential to their success. After acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic, Donte DiVincenzo was acquired. He is probably going to be a sixth man going forward, but in the previous six games, he has averaged an incredible 26.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Both Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa provide 7.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists as well as 3.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists respectively. Hart and Achiuwa are known for their defensive toughness and rebounding ability.
In addition, since OG Anunoby was acquired, the Knicks have the second-best defensive bench in the NBA. Because of their strong defence, DiVincenzo’s ability to score, Hart and Achiuwa’s well-rounded contributions, and their combined skill, the Knicks have one of the league’s most influential benches.
The performance of the benches for the Celtics and Knicks will be crucial as they get ready for their games. The Knicks have an explosive second unit that can turn the tide in their favour, while the Celtics rely on a more steady and balanced approach. Beyond the starting lineups, the chess match might come down to the tactical usage of bench players, which could be the difference between victory and defeat in their Eastern Conference matchups.
Advantage: New York Knicks