Knicks' top-three offense meets a Celtics defense ranked fourth

The New York Knicks (53-29 last season), owners of the NBA's third-best offense, visit the Boston Celtics (56-26), who had the fourth-best defense, on Friday at 7:00 PM ET, with turnovers the likely swing.

All records and ratings are from last season, with this season's rosters. The Knicks scored 117.5 points per 100 possessions. Boston allowed 110.2 and held opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 52.3%, fourth in the league.

The Celtics rarely give the ball away. Their 10.5% turnover rate was the NBA's lowest, so New York's defense, tenth at forcing turnovers, gets few free possessions. Boston also took 46.7% of its shots from three, fourth in the league.

New York has an edge on the glass. The Knicks grabbed 76.7% of available defensive rebounds, second in the league, which limits Boston's second chances. The Celtics were sixth in offensive rebounding.

Jalen Brunson averaged 26 points and 6.8 assists for New York last season, and Karl-Anthony Towns pulled down 11.9 rebounds a game. For Boston, Paul George averaged 17.3 points in 37 games and Derrick White handed out 5.4 assists.

Boston is without guard Devin Carter, who averaged 17.9 minutes and is out until Sunday, November 8. New York lists three players as questionable: Kevin McCullar Jr., Jaden Akins and Tyler Nickel, none of whom played more than 7.9 minutes a game.

Both teams lost their openers. The Knicks fell 106-100 at home to Philadelphia, and the Celtics lost 121-113 at Detroit. Neither plays fast: Boston was the slowest team in the league in pace, New York 27th.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Celtics a 56% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 70%.