PREVIEW: The storied rivalry between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks reignites Friday night at Madison Square Garden, with both teams seeking to establish early-season momentum. These are two of the league's most iconic franchises, with Boston holding a commanding historical advantage in their 498 regular-season matchups. The Celtics enter the game with significant challenges, having undergone major offseason changes and currently missing their leader Jayson Tatum, who continues to nurse an Achilles injury with no definitive return timeline. Their season opener against Philadelphia was a tough loss, where they surrendered an 11-point third-quarter lead and ultimately fell 117-116, with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scoring 25 points. The Knicks, by contrast, are coming off a convincing 119-111 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with OG Anunoby delivering a strong double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns also had a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The team has retained its core from last season and is led by first-year head coach Mike Brown, with aspirations of winning their first NBA title since 1973. New York is dealing with quite a few injuries as Mitchell Robinson is ruled out with an ankle injury, while Josh Hart (back) and Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) are questionable. OG Anunoby is dealing with an ankle injury as well but is listed as probable on the injury report. Adding intrigue to the matchup, the Celtics were eliminated by the Knicks in last year's playoffs and are seeking revenge, while New York is emphasizing a faster playing style with more active player rotations.