Boston @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 24, 2018 ) Boston 121, New York 112

The Boston Celtics attempt to rebound from their first setback of the season when they visit the New York Knicks on Saturday. Boston was outclassed by the Toronto Raptors 113-101 on Friday in a battle between two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens wasn't about to feel too bad about the loss as he understands the nature of the NBA. "I mean, if you're a really good team in this league, you're going to lose 30 games," Stevens told reporters after the loss. "If you're a great team, you lose 22." New York also suffered its first loss of the season on Friday when Brooklyn guard Caris LeVert hit the winning basket with one second left to send the Knicks to a 107-105 loss. "We've got to move on," shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. told reporters afterward. "Bring that same intensity (Saturday). As long as we keep battling and learn from this and keep building, we should be fine."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (1-1): Small forward Gordon Hayward scored 14 points in 24 minutes against the Raptors and felt more comfortable in his second game since returning from last season's badly broken left ankle. "There in the second half I was getting to some stuff that I normally do and I'm pretty good at," Hayward told reporters afterward. "I haven't felt that way. There were probably four or five minutes where I felt pretty good. So slowly I think that stuff's coming back." Point guard Kyrie Irving scored a team-best 21 points against Toronto after having just seven on 2-of-14 shooting in the opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (1-1): First-round draft choice Kevin Knox had a much better showing in his second game with 17 points, six rebounds and zero turnovers in 28 minutes after struggling in his debut (10 points on 4-of-16 shooting in 24 minutes versus Atlanta). The 19-year-old forward has put up 30 shots in two games and coach David Fizdale is encouraging Knox to keep firing. "I want him doing that," Fizdale told reporters. "I want him thinking that way. I know people thought, 'oh you didn't start him,' but he's still got to play a lot of minutes right now until he earns his way to that spot. While he's out there, I want him to be ultra-aggressive."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics went 3-1 against the Knicks last season, including victories by 30 and 21 points.

2. Boston PG Marcus Smart is just 3-of-10 shooting over the first two games.

3. New York SG Courtney Lee (neck) will miss his third straight game and PG Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) hopes to return after a two-game absence.

PREDICTION: Celtics 109, Knicks 103