T.M. Selection: Knicks.

1) The Knicks finished 14 games behind the Celtics in the Atlantic Division last season. However, based on projections for this season they are expected to close the gap on them in the division.

2) New York added Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges and they are expected to be big contributors right away this season.

3) Boston is going to be without Kristaps Porzingis as he had offseason surgery and could miss up to the first two months of the season! That is why, even though New York is without centers Robinson and Achiuwa, the Celtics won't necessarily be able to take advantage here.

4) Boston is favored by 5.5 points here which looks like an open invitation to take the defending champs on their home floor but I am not falling for the trap line! The Knicks are very hungry after the way the end of last season played out and they will play with a chip on their shoulders here and will be in this game all the way. Towns has this Knicks team believing as they already have a big star with Brunson as well.

T.M. Prediction: 111-110 Boston.