7:30 PM EST | Madison Square Garden TV: MSG Network
5 Things To Know:
1. Optimism is high for the debut of Joakim Noah. The big man participated in Friday’s practice and expressed his desire to hit the hardwood for Saturday’s preseason tilt despite a sore hamstring issue following training camp and a recent sprained ankle earlier in the week. Head coach Jeff Hornacek said a final decision will be made on Saturday morning once the medical staff can evaluate Noah’s ankle and detect any swelling.
2. Derrick Rose will not suit up for the Knicks on Saturday night. Hornacek’s starting lineup on Monday featured Brandon Jennings at the point guard spot and Willy Hernangomez at center.
3. Interesting stat through New York’s first 3 preseason games: The Knicks are averaging 32.6 points in third quarters and have outscored opponents 98-75.
4. The Celtics enter the 2016-17 season with significant expectations following a breakout 48-34 campaign last season. While Boston fell in the first round of the playoffs, the team is considered a rising power in the Eastern Conference under head coach Brad Stevens. In one of the biggest offseason signings this summer, the Celtics inked former All-Star Al Horford to boost their frontcourt productivity. Boston also added Jaylen Brown with the use of the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Jared Sullinger and Evan Turner are no longer on the Celtics roster but the Eastern Conference rival remains balanced and deep with several versatile players on the bench.
5. Hornacek revealed that the Knicks were working on close out and pick-and-roll defensive drills this past week to prepare for the Celtics. On the offensive side of the floor, Boston can put up points in a hurry as seen last season when it averaged 105.7 points per game. The Celtics are a menace on the defensive side of the floor as well, considering the group forced a league-best 15.8 turnovers per game in 2015-16.