Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7). David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Are we heading toward a Celtics vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Finals?

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/4/24

The New York Knicks have drastically improved their roster throughout the season.

Since December, they've added OG Anunoby, Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks. When healthy, the Knicks look like a genuine threat in the Eastern Conference. However, if the Knicks are dreaming of making it to the NBA Finals, they will have to go through the Boston Celtics.

In a recent episode of the "KG Certified" podcast, former Celtics champion Kevin Garnett revealed that he's expecting the two giants to face off in the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

"I ain't no Knicks fan or none of that, I'm just calling it how I see it," Garnett said. "The Knicks, I'm seeing what the wave is. They want the Knicks and Celtics (in the Eastern Conference Finals.)"

"I be on Instagram and I be like, ‘damn she fine.’ Then you catch ‘em in person and you’re like… ‘this you?’” - Paul Pierce @PaulPierce34 isn’t a believer in the Knicks this year and thinks they’re like an IG model Man, P a fool I swear. Can’t take him nowhere ‍♂️

While… pic.twitter.com/ER22aGF0k8
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) March 4, 2024

New York's roster is built around sturdy defense. Tom Thibodeau has constructed a team that puts defensive effort at the forefront of its game plan.

They see offense as a secondary requirement. To contend with the Celtics, you need to have an elite defensive strategy. Boston's top-six rotation is the most versatile in the NBA. They can score from all three levels and have no problem diversifying their game plan on a nightly basis.

Still, when you look around the East, the Knicks project as a genuine contender to make it to the conference finals.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been unimpressive this season. Their current win streak has primarily come against teams with losing records. Then the Philadelphia 76ers could potentially be without Joel Embiid. The Miami Heat have struggled to build on their NBA Finals appearance last season. And the Cleveland Cavaliers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games.

The stage is set for the Knicks to make a surprising run. Whether they're capable of defeating the Celtics is another question. Still, a seven-game series at Madison Square Garden and TD Garden would be electric. The NBA would have a major selling point.

Still, there's a lot of basketball left to be played. Right now, the Knicks need to focus on getting healthy. Only then can they begin to dream of playing on one of the biggest stages in front of their hometown crowd.

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