Celtics vs. Knicks: Game 3 Preview, Predictions, How to Watch

After two improbable losses at home, the Boston Celtics head to Madison Square Garden hoping to salvage their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the New York Knicks.

But a change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered. The Knicks are just 1-2 at home in these playoffs, though all three previous games at MSG were against the Detroit Pistons. This is a new series, a different opponent, and arguably a different Knicks team.

The the first round series showcased the leadership of Jalen Brunson, who was named the NBA Clutch Player of the Year — for good reason.

But the second round has shown the depth of the Knicks roster and the strategic decisions made by the Knicks front office led by Leon Rose and William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley, who made bold moves this offseason to piece together a roster it was principally aimed at beating the Celtics in the playoffs.

The Knicks 0-4 regular season record against the Celtics suggest that plan was a bust. But it’s come to fruition when it matters the most in the first in the fourth quarter of both games in this eastern conference semifinal series with the Celtics.

Importantly, the Knicks’ comebacks in this series have come with Brunson on the bench. He returns, like Mariano Rivera, as the game’s closer.

The Celtics are ailing. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have lingering injuries that have impacted their movement and shot selection. But they were well enough to beat the Orlando Magic. These Knicks, however, are a different story.

The Knicks have learned how to close out the Celtics on pick and rolls, and neutralize their three-point threat. Stellar defense by OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson has translated into transition points for the Knicks, enabling their rapid comebacks.

The Celtics live and die by the three and it remains to be seen whether they’ll make adjustments this afternoon and play more of an interior game. The return of Kristaps Porziņģis may help them in the paint, but his health remains a big question and he could be neutralized by Robinson.

Expect the Knicks to win this afternoon, but the Celtics to take Game 4 on Monday.

Series Prediction: Knicks in five.

How to Watch Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Tonight’s Celtics vs. Knicks game tips off just after 3:30 PM Eastern. The game airs live on ABC and streams on the ABC website and app.