The Boston Celtics return home to the United States after a pair of international games that allowed coach Doc Rivers to get a good look at his squad against unfamiliar foes. Coming away from those games with a 1-1 record they were allowed the opportunity to focus on areas that need improvement while building upon their existing strengths.
While preseason games mean very little with coaches testing strategy and getting a closer look at the "bubble players" fighting to make the team, there is certainly an excitement getting back to NBA play for the first time in the preseason. Boston and the New York Knicks will meet twice this preseason with the second game coming on October 20.
Look for Coach Rivers to continue his lineup experiment tonight opting to start Jared Sullinger and Jason Terry alongside his new "Big 3" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo.
The matchup:
The Boston Celtics will take on the New York Knicks at the XL Center located in Hartford, Conn. On Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The standings:
Boston comes into the game having won their last game and with a 1-1 preseason record. They are 1-1 as the visiting team this preseason.
New York enters the matchup with a 1-0 record this preseason. They 1-0 on the road this preseason
The series:
The overall regular season record between these two teams stands at 275-172 in favor of the Celtics. Cleveland is 150-59 at home and 125-113 on the road against the Knicks.
Where to watch:
In Boston: Comcast Sportsnet
In New York: MSG
Probable starters:
Boston: Paul Pierce, Jared Sullinger, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, Rajon Rondo.
New York: Raymond Felton, Mychel Thompson, Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony, Kurk Thomas.
The season statistic leaders:
Boston: N/A
New York: N/A
Injuries to note:
Boston: Avery Bradley (Shoulder Surgeries, Out), Micah Downs (Sore Left Shoulder, Day-to-Day), Chris Wilcox (Sore Lower Back, Day-to-Day).
New York: Amar'e Stoudemire (Bruised Left Knee, Questionable), James White (Sore Right Hamstring, Questionable), Ronnie Brewer (Left Medial Meniscus Tear, Out), Marcus Camby (Strained Left Calf, Out), Iman Shumpert (Torn Left ACL and Meniscus, Out), Chris Smith (Left Patella Tendon Surgery, Out).
More Boston Celtics Commentary from Paul Rados:
Boston Celtics considering multiple starting lineups during regular season: Fan's Take
Rajon Rondo plays strong as the Boston Celtics top Armani 105-75: Fan Reaction
Boston Celtics drop preseason opener to Fenerbache 97-91: A fan's reaction
Fan's Look: Is Boston Celtics PG Rajon Rondo ready to have an NBA MVP season?
Larry Bird announces his retirement, August 18, 1992: A fan's reflection
Sources:
All data provided by NBA.com
Boston Celtics Media Notes
New York Knicks Media Notes
Paul Rados is an avid Boston Celtics fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados.
