They would, of course, become the first ball club since the Golden State Warriors back in 2018 to win back-to-back titles, and the team's new ownership and front office might be a bit more disposed to keep the roster as it currently stands mostly intact for at least another run at a title.

The Celtics are heavily favored against the Knicks in the second round after sweeping the regular-season series. The defending champions also enter Monday’s Game 1 in Boston with a clean injury report with nobody listed. That’s a huge sign as the C’s battled some injuries during their first-round win over the Magic.

The Boston Celtics swept the season series from the New York Knicks and it wasn't particularly close, with the average score being 125-109. Will the playoffs be any different, with both teams a little banged up?