The Boston Celtics start the new NBA season under the bright light of expectations. After winning the championship, the Celtics are facing questions about whether they can repeat their success.
At the same time, the New York Knicks face early-season challenges as they try to adjust to new roles and injuries. This article explains how all of these events affect future games and non-Gamstop bookies odds.
Celtics: No Pressure or an Uphill Battle?
The Champion's Confidence
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla doesn't think there's any pressure. When asked recently about whether he feels the weight of expectation, Mazzulla had a rather blunt answer: "No pressure. We’ll all be dead soon, and it doesn’t matter anymore." It’s safe to say he’s not one to mince words.
This unusual comment might strike some as pessimistic, but it underlines a sense of perspective that Mazzulla is bringing into the new campaign. After winning last season's championship, the Celtics are now the bookmakers' favorites to repeat.
Jaylen Brown, the Finals MVP, is expected to continue his top form alongside star teammate Jayson Tatum. Both players are reportedly more focused and ready to elevate their performance even further.
The Road to Title No. 18
The Celtics start their season facing the New York Knicks, a team that’s had mixed success against Boston over recent seasons. Historically, the Celtics have been a consistent powerhouse, and their impressive point differential last season, nearly 11 points per game, was one of the highest in NBA history.
It’s worth noting that the two most significant point differentials recorded by teams resulted in a successful Championship defense. However, even with high odds and past patterns to lean on, there's no guarantee the Celtics will cruise through this season. Basketball is rarely predictable, especially when every other contender is eager to knock the champions off their pedestal.
Early Concerns for the Knicks
The New York Knicks’ Challenges
While the Celtics are basking in their championship glory, the New York Knicks are dealing with quite the opposite early struggles and role transitions. The Knicks’ roster has undergone significant changes, and the adjustment period hasn’t been without challenges.
Key Players to Watch
- Jaylen Brunson continues to impress with his stellar play and is a reliable pillar for the Knicks.
- Mikal Bridges is struggling with his shooting, particularly from three-point range, where his preseason form has left much to be desired. He changed his shot mechanics, and it remains to be seen if it will pay off long-term.
- Carl Anthony Towns has yet to adapt to his role at the center, playing more minutes in the position than he’s used to.
The Knicks have also been dealing with injuries and depth issues. They have only ten healthy roster players, including two rookies. The fourth-string center, Jericho Sims, has had to step into a backup role. Such circumstances can make it difficult for the Knicks to establish consistency early in the season.
Signs of Struggle
The Knicks did end the preseason with a 4-1 record, but concerns remain, especially with player roles still in flux. The Knicks’ latest acquisition, Carl Anthony Towns, hasn’t fully settled into his new responsibilities, and Josh Hart struggled with his role, taking very few shots during the preseason. As they adjust, Knicks fans may need to show patience.
Mikal Bridges, a critical defensive presence, has struggled with his shooting, particularly his new shot form. He went 2 of 19 from beyond the arc in the preseason, which is something Knicks fans hope he can remedy sooner rather than later.
Despite these struggles, there are reasons for optimism. Tom Thibodeau’s system revolves around defensive discipline, and his teams are always known for their resilience. Jaylen Brunson, Carl Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby are capable of carrying the team through rough patches.
A Look at Team Depth
Celtics' Depth Going into the Season
Boston appears well-equipped for their title defense. Below is a look at the key players who will be instrumental in their journey this year:
|
Player Name |
Role |
Expectations |
|
Jaylen Brown |
Forward (MVP) |
Lead scoring and clutch performances |
|
Jayson Tatum |
Forward |
Versatility on both ends, improved shooting |
|
Chris Porzingis |
Centre |
Protect the rim and add depth offensively |
|
Marcus Smart |
Guard |
Defensive anchor and ball handler |
|
Al Horford |
Veteran Presence |
Experience and leadership |
The Celtics are counting on continuity and their players' individual growth to maintain the quality that brought them the title last year.
Knicks' Key Areas to Improve
The Knicks, on the other hand, have been adjusting their pieces as they attempt to make a push for the playoffs:
|
Player Name |
Role |
Concerns/Areas to Improve |
|
Jaylen Brunson |
Guard |
Maintain offensive leadership |
|
Carl Anthony Towns |
Centre |
Adjusting to a heavy workload as centre |
|
Mikal Bridges |
Forward |
Improved three-point shooting |
|
Josh Hart |
Swingman |
Fitting comfortably in the system |
|
OG Anunoby |
Forward |
Defensive contributions |
With injuries affecting depth, the Knicks’ front office has its work cut out for them. They are reportedly interested in signing Matt Ryan, a sharpshooter who could fill in as an additional scoring option, especially with Landry Shamet sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
Key Matchups and Predictions
Celtics vs Knicks – The Opening Matchup
As the two teams face off, all eyes will be on the duel between Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, now with Towns' presence in New York. Edwards, who averaged 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists last season, is emerging as a critical player for the Knicks.
The Celtics are relying on the chemistry between Brown and Tatum to remain potent, even with Kristaps Porziņģis missing due to injury. Boston’s preseason showed promising shooting improvement from Tatum, as he increased his accuracy from three-point range to near 40%, a crucial factor for the Celtics' offense.
Early Season Expectations
- Celtics: Given the reigning champions’ confidence and depth, the Celtics are expected to start the season strong. They will need to maintain their defensive intensity and offensive balance.
- Knicks: The Knicks have a mix of uncertainty and potential. They could struggle initially as players like Towns and Bridges adjust to their new roles, but if the team finds a rhythm, they could become a severe threat in the East.
FAQ
What did Joe Mazzulla say about pressure for the Celtics?
Joe Mazzulla said there is "no pressure" on the Celtics, explaining that in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter. He emphasized a laid-back approach for the upcoming season.
Are the Celtics expected to repeat as champions?
The Celtics are considered the favorites to repeat as champions, thanks to their solid depth, star players, and firm performance in previous seasons.
What are the Knicks' biggest challenges this season?
The Knicks have faced role transitions, shooting struggles, and injuries early in the season. Players like Carl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges are adjusting to new roles while depth issues continue to impact the team.
Which players are key for the Celtics' title defense?
Key players for the Celtics include Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Chris Porzingis, and Al Horford. Their contributions to scoring, defense, and leadership are crucial.
How are the Knicks' new players adapting?
New Knicks players, including Carl Anthony Towns, are still adjusting to their roles. Mikal Bridges has struggled with shooting consistency, and Josh Hart finds it challenging to fit comfortably into the system.
What should we expect from the Celtics vs Knicks opening matchup?
The Celtics vs. Knicks opening matchup will be closely watched, particularly Anthony Edwards's and Julius Randle's performances. The Celtics are expected to start strong, but the Knicks' adjustments will significantly determine the game's outcome.
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