Prediction: Knicks in 6

It’s a battle of the Northeast. Usually these cities’ rivalry is associated with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, but for this week, it is the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics battling on the hardwood. The Knicks have a lot to prove this postseason, as they look to advance past the first round of the NBA playoffs since 2000. They last faced the Celtics in the playoffs in 2011, but were swept away in four games. NBA scoring champion Carmelo Anthony, who averaged 28.7 points per game this season, leads the Knicks. The Celtics, on the other hand, will be playing for the city of Boston and will rely on their postseason experience, with veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. They won an NBA championship together in 2008. It will be more difficult now this time around without point guard Rajon Rondo, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in late January, ending his season.