To say that the Boston Celtics have dominated the New York Knicks over the past couple of seasons would be an understatement. The defending champions have swept the Knicks 4-0 in the regular season, by an average of 16.5 points. So, it’s more than enough reason why the Celtics head into tonight’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a lot of confidence. However, this doesn’t mean that Joe Mazzulla and his men are getting complacent. In fact, they might be even more focused than ever. “This is the playoffs. So everything we did in the regular season doesn’t really mean a whole lot now,” said Boston’s point guard, Derrick White.

“Not like we get to start up 1-0. So, just understand it’s the playoffs. They’re here for a reason.” Indeed, the Knicks are here for a reason. They are coming off a hard-fought series against the Detroit Pistons and look to reign supreme in the East. Meanwhile, the Cs are defending their crown. They got past an extremely physical Orlando team in the first round. Now, their eyes are set on New York. However, their battle with Orlando has left a few scars, which have put a question mark on their roster.

Boston’s injury report ahead of Game 1 against New York

The Boston Celtics were in control for most of their first-round series against the Magic. However, Orlando’s hard-fouling tactics have left a mark, despite them finishing the series in five games. It all started when their superstar, Jayson Tatum, suffered a wrist bone contusion after colliding with Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Game 1. While he did return after missing Game 2, there were blows as well. Most notably, two of Boston’s stars were hanging in the balance. Who? You might ask. Well, it was none other than Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday. So, are they available to suit up tonight?

Brown has been struggling with a lingering knee injury even before the postseason season tipped off. The 28-year-old Boston forward had to take injections before the first round to be able to get on the floor. Moreover, he wasn’t one hundred percent in round one, but he provided a huge update regarding his health before the Knicks matchup. “Now I’m moving forward. A whole different ball game. Different team. Different challenges. The focus is fixed on that. Taking it one day at a time, but I think so. I think I’m starting to turn it. I think structurally, everything is fine. I’ve had some other stuff going on, but I think I’m kind of turning in the right direction.” Brown said.

The Cs forward indicated that he’s on the right trajectory to return to full fitness before the second round. It’s massive news for the Celtics, who benefit hugely from Brown’s presence. The 6-foot-6 forward is averaging 22.2 points along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists this season. He’ll look to help his team as they gear up for a thrilling series. Meanwhile, another star who has a big question mark over his fitness is Jrue Holiday. Boston’s backup point guard missed all of the team’s final three games against Orlando due to a hamstring injury.

While Boston took care of business against Paolo Banchero and Co., they’ll need Holiday when they go up against New York. The good news is, Holiday did practice with the team on Saturday and is no longer on the injury report. This indicates he’s all set to be available for Game 1 tonight. This is also great because, with Holiday fit, the Celtics do not have any other injuries in their camp. On the other hand, their opponents are also without any injuries, making this contest even more spicy. But it makes you think, how will Joe Mazzulla field his starting five for tonight’s clash?

How could Boston’s starting five look tonight?

With Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday fit, head coach Joe Mazzulla will take a huge sigh of relief. The Celtics coach will have all of his options available to choose from tonight, but he’ll likely go with his trusted five. That means Boston’s superstar duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will start. Both of them have been phenomenal this season and will look to exploit New York’s defense from the three-point line. Moreover, Derrick White and big man Kristaps Porzingis will resume their roles as Boston aims to reach back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals.

So, here’s how the Celtics should start:

Overall, this is poised to be a thrilling affair between two star-studded teams. Both Boston and New York are without any injuries, and that will make things even more interesting. However, the Celtics still have the upper hand, given they are the more seasoned team and know how to handle pressure. But one thing we’ve learned so far this season: expect the unexpected. So, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top as the ball hits the air tonight at the famous TD Garden in Boston.