Knicks Riding Momentum into Boston Clash Amid Key Absences on Both Sides
The New York Knicks are heating up at just the right time. Winners of four straight, they head into Tuesday night’s showdown with the Boston Celtics carrying not only momentum, but a sense of purpose. After a deep playoff run last season that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, this year’s squad looks poised to make another push-especially in a conference still finding its footing with several stars sidelined.
At the heart of New York’s success are Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson, in particular, is playing some of the best basketball of his career.
He’s been the engine of this Knicks offense, showing poise, leadership, and a knack for hitting big shots when it matters most. Towns, meanwhile, hasn’t quite found his rhythm yet this season.
His efficiency has dipped, but his presence still demands attention from opposing defenses, and his ability to stretch the floor continues to be a valuable piece of the Knicks' offensive structure.
Boston, even without Jayson Tatum, isn’t a team to be taken lightly. Over the last 10 games, they’ve matched the Knicks’ record, and they’ve been leaning heavily on their elite defense-currently ranked second in the league.
The Celtics have found ways to stay competitive, thanks in large part to the play of Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White. Brown remains a nightly scoring threat, capable of exploding for 30-plus at any moment, and Pritchard is coming off a monster 42-point performance.
If he’s finding his rhythm, the Knicks will need to lock in defensively to keep Boston’s backcourt from getting loose.
Injury Report: Knicks Missing Key Contributors
New York’s injury list isn’t long, but it’s significant. OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet are both ruled out, and their absences leave noticeable gaps on both ends of the floor.
Anunoby hasn’t suited up since November 14, when he logged just five minutes in a win over the Miami Heat before exiting. When healthy, he was averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds across 11 games-numbers that speak to his two-way impact. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down shots made him a key cog in the Knicks’ early-season rotation.
Shamet, meanwhile, was starting to find his groove before going down in the November 22 game against Orlando. Over the five games leading up to that, he averaged 15.2 points while shooting 41.4% from deep. That stretch included a 36-point eruption against Miami, a reminder of how quickly he can get hot and swing a game with his perimeter shooting.
Celtics Injury Update: Tatum Out, but Reinforcements Available
Boston’s injury report is headlined by the continued absence of Jayson Tatum, who remains out with a right Achilles injury. That’s a major loss, of course-Tatum is the Celtics’ offensive centerpiece and one of the league’s premier scorers. But the Celtics have proven they can still compete without him.
The good news for Boston? Both Neemias Queta (ankle) and Derrick White (calf) are available for this matchup.
White’s return is especially important, given how much he contributes on both ends. His defensive instincts and ability to space the floor make him a critical part of Boston’s rotation, especially in Tatum’s absence.
Knicks’ Lineup Shift Paying Off
New York’s recent surge coincides with a key tweak to the starting lineup. Head coach Mike Brown opted to shake things up, inserting Josh Hart and Miles McBride alongside Mikal Bridges, Brunson, and Towns. That move has paid immediate dividends.
Hart, a starter last season, brings toughness, rebounding, and defensive versatility. He’s the kind of glue guy every winning team needs, and his recent performances have made a strong case for him to stay in the starting five. McBride, meanwhile, has brought energy and perimeter defense, helping to set the tone early in games.
This new-look starting unit has given the Knicks a jolt, and with Brunson orchestrating the offense and Bridges continuing to be a steady two-way presence, New York looks like a team that’s starting to find its identity.
What to Watch For
This one could come down to defense. Boston’s calling card has been its ability to lock teams down, and with Tatum out, they’ll need to rely on that end of the floor even more. The Knicks, meanwhile, will need to contain Brown and keep Pritchard from getting into a rhythm early.
New York’s ability to generate offense without Anunoby and Shamet will also be tested. That puts added pressure on Brunson and Towns to carry the scoring load, but also opens the door for role players like Hart and McBride to step up again.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST in Boston. With both teams jockeying for position in a wide-open Eastern Conference, this early-December matchup has the feel of something bigger-maybe even a playoff preview.