Knicks at Celtics
THE STORY: The New York Knicks proved Thursday night they could hang with one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference - though the final result wasn't what they wanted. They face another stiff test Friday as they visit the surging Boston Celtics in a showdown between two of the NBA's most storied franchises. The Knicks traded blows with the Chicago Bulls for 48 minutes on Thursday, but couldn't contain Derrick Rose down the stretch as they ultimately dropped a 105-102 decision. Despite the strong showing, moral victories aren't high on the Knicks' list these days as they find themselves losing significant ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Celtics were in a similar spot earlier in the year but have rebounded nicely, winning six of their last seven games. Their previous victory may have been their most impressive of all, as they dominated from start to finish en route to a 100-64 drubbing of the Toronto Raptors. The strong offensive showing lifted Boston's season scoring average above 90 points for the first time.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, Comcast SportsNet New England
ABOUT THE KNICKS (8-14): One positive to come out of Thursday's heartbreaking defeat was the play of star teammates Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, who finally put up the kind of stats New York fans have been expecting all season. The duo combined for 60 points on nearly 50 percent shooting to keep the Knicks in the game against the top team in the East. The only weak spot: the two combined to go 0 for 6 from 3-point range, and both missed potential game-tying 3s in the final minute.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (11-10): As well as Boston has played without star point guard Rajon Rondo, the Celtics will be overjoyed to welcome him back to the lineup against the Knicks. Rondo missed the previous eight games with a sprained right wrist, but is expected to make his return Friday night. Boston went 6-2 without its floor general, who is averaging 15 points and 9.4 assists so far this season. Rondo last played Jan. 18 against Toronto.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. New York's season-opening 106-104 win over Boston ended the Celtics' eight-game winning streak in the head-to-head matchup.
2. Rondo was sensational in the season opener, scoring 31 points and adding five steals - both season highs. He also dished out 13 assists.
3. Anthony is averaging 25.5 points since missing two games with an assortment of injuries. He averages 24.8 points in 15 career games against the Celtics.