Celtics Get Good News on Health Front for Saturday's Knicks Game

The Celtics, an NBA-leading 44-12, face the Knicks, 34-22, Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. Their rivalry clash will tip off at 8:30 EST.

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics picked up where they left off before the All-Star break, earning a 129-112 win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.

Save for roughly the final four minutes of the first frame, then the second quarter, the C's were sharp in their first game after vacation.

The schedule now gets more challenging for the team atop the NBA standings, boasting a 44-12 record. That starts Saturday night in New York City.

Boston squares off against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Fortunately, the visitors' injury report is a clean sheet, signaling everyone is available for this rivalry clash, at least as of now.

Meanwhile, the hosts are without OG Anunoby due to a right elbow injury. Julius Randle is inactive because of a dislocated right shoulder. Mitchell Robinson is unavailable as a result of a left ankle ailment that required surgery.

After Saturday's matchup, the Celtics will face the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns.

Fortunately for Boston, they enter this gauntlet with a seven-game lead over Cleveland, the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Further Reading

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Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

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Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

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Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'