By the time their playoff run ended last spring, the Knicks were completely banged up, and even minus Jalen Brunson when the Indiana series concluded in the East semis. New York isn't totally healthy to start the new season, either, but unlike the playoffs last spring, it's rotation pieces like PF Precious Achuwa now sidelined, while Brunson is ready to go alongside new adds like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges that Spike Lee and all Knicks fans hope might eventually provide the firepower needed to overhaul the Celtics in the East. Though the Celtics got thru the playoffs mostly minus Kristaps Porzingis last spring, his absence at the outset of the new campaign is hardly a plus, robbing Joe Mazzulla of a unique piece to the Celtics puzzle. This looms as a statement game for the Knicks if they wish to challenge Boston for conference supremacy, and another big effort from Brunson should fuel a very competitive effort. Still, a bit leery to tempt fate by going against Boston, and wll note that three of the five meetings last season also landed well beneath the low 220s we see on the totals line tonight. Play Knicks-Celtics "Under"