This is Boston's second-to-last preseason game, with an away game against the Cavaliers scheduled for tomorrow night. Since Cleveland is the Celtics' opening night opponent, Doc Rivers is leaning towards resting his starters tomorrow night, leaving them with tonight as their last tune-up for the regular season.
With a normal Opening Night, that probably wouldn't be the case. But let's make things clear, opening up against the Cavs, with both teams reloaded, isn't your standard Opening Night.
So tonight in New York, Boston's starters should see minutes that closely resemble what they'll be handling in the regular season. Expect all of the starters, as well as Rasheed Wallace, to see 30-plus minutes on the court. Only Rajon Rondo (twice) and Ray Allen (once) have reached that plateau this preseason, and one has to believe that Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins and Wallace will need to be stretched out at some point. Tonight should be the night for that to happen.
On New York's side of the ball, starters will probably play close to
regular season minutes but this shouldn't be their final preseason
game. They also play tomorrow night, but it's not against their Opening
Night opponent. Head coach Mike D'Antoni prides himself on keeping his
team in great shape, so he will probably use this final back-to-back to
stretch out his regular rotation. With a week separating their
preseason finale and regular season kickoff, that shouldn't be a
problem for their young legs.
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Even if the Knicks play their full line up they will be smashed.
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