Jayson Tatum, straight up, went into beast mode (no surprise there) and made the first-round series feel like the NBA equivalent of a high school exhibition. Meanwhile, Orlando tried their best to make it interesting, but let’s be honest: it was like watching someone try to play Mario Kart with a broken controller. Now, though, we’ve got the Knicks—less like a viral mixtape, more like a bootleg that goes platinum because it actually slaps. You might clown them in the group chat, but Brunson and Towns will torch you if you’re not careful. Speaking of, there’s been some serious drama buzzing around.

Is Jayson Tatum even playing tonight? I mean, come on, if he’s not, that’s basically like showing up to a championship party without your MVP invite. Well, surprise, surprise—Tatum’s ready to go. The wrist drama? Nah, that’s just offseason talk. Dude could play through a broken leg and still give you 35 points, a few posters, and a couple of alley-oops to remind you he’s still that guy. So, yeah, he’s going to be there.

And hey, shout out to the Celtics for having zero injury concerns. (As of now, at least.) That’s like an NBA fan’s dream, right? Everyone’s healthy, and I’m actually allowed to say that without laughing. But seriously, it’s all systems go in Boston, folks! That said, let’s also dive into the meat and potatoes of this matchup with the depth chart.

Depth Chart Breakdown: Celtics vs Knicks—Who’s Who?

Now, it’s not just about who’s starting, but who’s gonna make the biggest impact when the lights are brightest. The Celtics have one of the deepest rosters in the league, but the Knicks have a couple of gritty players who know how to turn a game on its head. Let’s break it down.

The Celtics are stacked, top to bottom. Jayson Tatum’s been a straight nightmare for defenses this year, averaging 31.3 PPG, 11.3 REB, and 5.3 AST. Dude’s been living rent-free in defenders’ heads all season. Right behind him, Jaylen Brown’s been on a tear too—23 PPG, 7.6 REB. So you know it’s about to get real for anyone trying to stop Boston. Then you’ve got Derrick White and Jrue Holiday—those two are like the Swiss army knives of this team, contributing on offense and locking up on defense. And Porzingis? He might not put up 40 a night, but his shot-blocking and rim protection will be crucial.

Now, the Knicks are no pushovers. Jalen Brunson’s been a straight-up assassin, averaging 31.5 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over his last six games this postseason, according to Statmuse. That’s the kind of production that could keep New York in any game. He might only hit 33.3% from deep, but the dude knows how to make plays, so expect him to keep Boston’s defense on their toes. Randle?

If you’re Boston, you might want to send him a thank-you card after the series because he’s gonna make you work for every inch in the post. His physicality is a problem, and if he’s feeling it, good luck! Mitchell Robinson’s stat line (5.7 rebounds, 3.7 points, 0.7 blocks, and 0.8 steals) might not jump off the page, but don’t sleep on his impact. He’s not here to post 30 and 10, but he’ll make sure Boston’s bigs feel him in the paint. Whether he’s blocking shots or just being a nuisance, he’s a key piece in forcing the Celtics’ bigs to work for everything in the paint.

This is shaping up to be a star-powered battle. The Celtics have the depth advantage, no question. Tatum, Brown, White, and Holiday are tough to beat. But don’t count out the Knicks. If Brunson keeps cooking, Randle dominates the post, and Robinson locks down the rim, New York could make this a series to remember. Boston has more firepower, but if the Knicks’ stars step up, it could be closer than expected.

So buckle up, because this one’s gonna be a ride.