Game 1 of the eastern conference semifinals between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will tip-off Monday night at 7 pm in the Bean.

Throughout the entire regular season the Celtics have been beating the Knicks in all four meetings, and I can’t see much of that changing in this series. The Knicks appeared to have taken a step back from last year due to trades and the departure of Julius Randle. Don’t get me wrong, Karl Anthony-Towns has been playing well, clearly that move was to be able to compete with the Celtics in the postseason. And though the Knicks back court is strong with talented players, they still lose the size and talent tug.

Jayson Tatum was spectacular last series against the Orlando Magic while fighting through a wrist injury. Last three games he scored 30+ points in each of them while being 100% from the free throw line. There isn’t anyone on the Knicks roster that can cover him for full quarters and really contain him. OG Anunoby is a good defender who will have some stops on defense for New York, but Tatum is all too accustomed to playing him from the Toronto days in the bubble.

Then there’s the depth that the Celtics possess. Jaylen Brown can drop 40 any night, but can also decide to focus on shutting a player down defensively. Derrick White is a lethal catch-and-shoot player and among the best shot blocking guards in the league. Jrue Holiday is a floor general who limits turnovers and an elite defender. He’s been battling a hamstring injury, so it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out. Payton Pritchard is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year and can get hot from deep soon as he touches the floor. If Kristaps Porzingis isn’t altering shots with his length or knocking down 3’s — Al Horford can provide valuable minutes. I expect each one of these players mentionde to have a big game this series.

In this series, there are going to be games when the Knicks will have the lead in the fourth quarter, but time and time again the Celtics have shown their Championship DNA. They don’t panic, they don’t argue, they just get stops, and swing the ball around for the best shot. Celtics will have a moment where they’ll make a late-game run to win.

I still expect Jalen Brunson and KAT to have big performances. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart will also have games where they’re effective on both sides. I see the Knicks winning a game on their home floor, and maybe a game on the road — but nothing more.

Celtics in 6.