The defending champions, the Boston Celtics, are set to lock horns with the New York Knicks in what should be a blockbuster series. This will mark the 17th time Boston has faced its bitter rival, New York, in the postseason. While the two teams have a lot of history, the last time they met each other in the playoffs was back in 2013. So, this one has got both sides of the fans buzzing with excitement. Moreover, this will be a star-studded affair with All-Star talent spread across both ends of the floor. While many favor Boston to win, New York will not be going down without a fight. The Cs took down a young and hungry Orlando Magic team in the first round in five games. On the other hand, the Knicks were part of a thrilling six-game series against the Detroit Pistons.

Boston’s Latvian big man, Kristaps Porzingis, has already sent a message to the New York faithful. A reporter asked the Celtics center about how he’d feel playing at Madison Square Garden when the series shifts to the Big Apple. Porzingis was unfazed by the question and answered bluntly. “No, because they’re like making it seem like we’re just going to get caught off guard. But you’re like, oh my God. It’s going to be an experience. That’s the same thing. They’re going to have to come to here in Boston and experience this. Maybe ask them this question. But we have the experience. Of course, it’s going to be a big step.” Porzingis stated. He pointed out that they are making it seem like it’s a massive thing. Moreover, he suggested that the atmosphere will be the same for both teams.

While the Celtics will travel to New York, they’ll also have to visit the TD Garden first, and the Boston fans aren’t going to make things easy for the Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis echoed similarly and stated a massive difference between Knicks and Celtics faithful. “Boston fans are always super invested. They’re there to support their team. Between the fan base, it’s going to be a war for sure. The videos that they put out. With the fans and stuff. It’s fun. It makes the rivalry more fun as a fan and as a player. It’s a great stage for basketball. Just all the history between Boston and New York. It’s excellent to be able to live or to relive in that.” Porzingis said. Indeed, it’s going to be an war between fans as not just two of the best teams, but their fanbases will also collide.

There will be no shortage of stunning moments in this playoff series, with the first matchup to be played at the famous TD Garden in Boston on Monday. Boston has swept New York 4-0 in the regular season and will look to keep that streak going in the playoffs. The Celtics will target Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns, two of the Knicks’ best offensive players. Meanwhile, they’ll try to keep their offense simple, trusting the superstar duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, the Cs have been struggling with injuries after an extremely physical first-round series against the Magic. Speaking of which, Jaylen Brown has dropped a massive update on his fitness.

Jaylen Brown gives a massive update on his health ahead of second-round battle against the Knicks

The Boston Celtics are gearing up for their massive second-round playoff clash against the New York Knicks. While the Celtics finished the series against Orlando in five games, it wasn’t the easiest. They have had a few injury concerns after a high-intensity series against the Magic. One comes from their star forward, Jaylen Brown. The 28-year-old has been struggling with a lingering knee injury entering the playoffs and provided a huge update going into the next round. “I feel like I’m doing well. For me personally and for our group. For me, just trying to train back in the direction that I’m in. Just physically holding my ground, etc. Still making plays for our team.” Brown said.

He indicated that he’s on the right trajectory to return to 100 percent fitness. Having a healthy Jaylen Brown will be massive for the Celtics. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP is a key pillar in Boston’s incredible success in recent years. Moreover, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, which is an insane stat line. The Boston forward also gave updates on his teammates, including the likes of Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, both of whom also missed a few games in the first round. “Even with guys being out. Jrue, JT, missed a game. Being able to step back. Still rolling over our team. Still decent.” He added.

“Now I’m moving forward. A whole different ball game. Different team. Different challenges. 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.” Jrue Holiday missed the last three games of the series after suffering a hamstring injury. His fitness is still in the air, he did participate in Saturday’s team practice, indicating he might also be available soon. Meanwhile, Tatum suffered a wrist bone contusion after colliding with Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and returned soon.

It’s great news for Boston as they now turn their focus toward New York and aim to take them down and reach the Eastern Conference Finals.