New York Knicks at Boston Celtics, March 4, 2012: Fan Preview

The Boston Celtics need to prepare for a double-dose of "Linsanity" come Sunday as Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks come to town. Lin remains one of the more popular players since his step into the limelight while leading the Knicks in some hard fought battles. Add the fact that Lin is a Harvard graduate and the city of Boston's interest in this game just got bigger.

The Celtics are not a team that buys into the hype, despite the excitement of the fans for this game. For the team, it is a rivalry game they must win as they battle for a spot in the NBA playoffs that are just over a month away.

"I think we're moving the ball a lot better and hopefully hitting our stride right here at home. We're playing better basketball." Said Paul Pierce after the Celtics' 107-94 win over the New Jersey Nets.

For the Celtics and their fans, Pierce's statement is all that matters. The team is playing better basketball and cannot worry about any distractions be it a popular player or the pending trade deadline. Like many other Celtics' fans out there, the playoffs are what is important.

The matchup…

The Boston Celtics will take on the New York Knicks at the TD Garden located in Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 1 p.m. EST.

The standings…

Boston comes into the game having won three straight games and with a 18-17 record. They are 13-8 on their home court and have won four of their last 10 games.

New York enters the contest with an 18-18 record and won their last game. They are 7-9 on the road and have won seven of their last 10 games.

The season series…

The season series currently stands at 1-1.

Where to watch…

The game can be watched live nationwide with NBA League Pass or—

In Boston: National TV on ABC

In New York: National TV on ABC

The season statistic leaders…

Boston: Paul Pierce 17.5 PPG, Rajon Rondo 9.8 APG, Kevin Garnett 8.1 RPG.

New York: Carmelo Anthony 21.5 PPG, Jeremy Lin 6.1 APG, Tyson Chandler 9.7 RPG.

Injuries to note…

Boston: C Jermaine O'Neal (wrist), G Ray Allen (illness), F Jeff Green (heart)

New York: G Iman Shumpert (knee), C Josh Harrellson (wrist), G Bill Walker (elbow).

More Boston Celtics Commentary from this Contributor:

New Jersey Nets at Boston Celtics, March 2, 2012 - Fan Preview

Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers, February 28 - Fan Preview

Boston Celtics fall to Oklahoma City Thunder 119-104: A fan's reaction

Dallas Mavericks expose flaws in Boston Celtics' team: A fan's reaction

Boston Celtics dropped by Detroit 96-81: A fan's reaction

Sources:

All data provided by NBA.com

Paul Rados is an avid Boston Celtics fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

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