Boston is vying to become the NBA’s first repeat champion since 2018 and the first Celtics team to go back-to-back since the days of Bill Russell (1968 and ’69). The Knicks, who took down a scrappy Detroit Pistons squad in Round 1, are seeking their first trip to the conference finals since 2000.

Expect Boston to target Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns often in the 1st Celtics-Knicks playoff showdown since 2013.

Game 1 will mark the 68th playoff matchup between Boston and New York, with the Celtics winning 36 of the past 67 games. The Knicks won two of the past three postseason series and have advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive season.