\u201cYeah, I\u2019ve thought about it,\u201d Tatum said. \u201cI\u2019m not thrilled to go back and play there. Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tatum is averaging 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 15 games this season since he returned from his injury. Boston has a 13-2 record in those 15 contests.<\/p>\n
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The Celtics are scheduled to face New Orleans at home on Friday. Tatum hasn\u2019t suited up for a back-to-back this season, but following Tuesday\u2019s win, Tatum confirmed that he planned to play Thursday against New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, I knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there (Madison Square Garden) again,\u201d he said. \u201cI decided to come back and play, so I\u2019m not necessarily skipping certain games. I can\u2019t play back-to-backs right now, but I decided to come back and play, so it\u2019s just another game on the schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam Hauser is available, but Jaylen Brown is out with left Achilles tendinitis. Neemias Queta (right toe sprain) and Derrick White (right knee contusion) are both listed as questionable.<\/p>\n
Can the Celtics clinch their playoff position? Here\u2019s the preview:<\/p>\n
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York<\/p>\n
TV, radio: Amazon, WBZ-FM 98.5<\/p>\n
Line: New York -4.5. O\/U: 216.5.<\/p>\n
CELTICS<\/p>\n
Season record: 54-25. vs. spread: 47-32. Over\/under: 28-51<\/p>\n
Last 10 games: 8-2. vs. spread: 7-3. Over\/under: 3-7<\/p>\n
KNICKS<\/p>\n
Season record: 51-28. vs. spread: 40-38, 1 push. Over\/under: 36-42, 1 push<\/p>\n
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 4-6. Over\/under: 4-6<\/p>\n
TEAM STATISTICS<\/p>\n
Points per game: Boston 114.6, New York 116.8<\/p>\n
Points allowed per game: Boston 106.9, New York 110.4<\/p>\n
Field goal percentage: Boston .467, New York .477<\/p>\n
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .441, New York .459<\/p>\n
3-point percentage: Boston .364, New York .374<\/p>\n
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .359, New York .361<\/p>\n
Stat of the day: Jalen Brunson is New York\u2019s leading scorer at 26 points per game.<\/p>\n
Notes: New York is coming off Monday\u2019s 108-105 victory at Atlanta, which stretched the team\u2019s winning streak to three games … The Knicks have won five in a row at home … The Celtics have won four in a row and seven of their last eight … \u201cJust ramping up at the right time,\u201d Tatum said. \u201cKnowing that post-All-Star break is pivotal for teams really trying to compete for a championship. And you want to be physically feeling your best as a unit, playing well together, clicking on all cylinders. And this year is no different. We\u2019ve been playing extremely well going into the playoffs up to this point, and knowing that we\u2019ve got a few games left to feel really good about ourselves and then find out who we\u2019re going to play.\u201d<\/p>\n