NBA Playoffs 2013: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Game 3; Preview, TV Schedule, Match-ups, Live Stream

For the New York Knicks, they have the semifinals on their minds, while for the Boston Celtics, it's crunch time as the pivotal Game 3 of their first round NBA playoffs series prepares to kick off Friday at the TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

The Knicks have run off to a 2-0 lead after taking both Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden behind Carmelo Anthony's scorching 35.0 points averaged in the series. With timely scoring from Raymond Felton and NBA Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, the Atlantic Division champion Knicks have been rolling along as a well-oiled machine as they look to dispose of the team that knocked them out of the playoffs in 2011.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have been struggling throughout the series, coach Doc Rivers earning a fine for complaining about the referees' calls in Game 2 while Kevin Garnett suffered a hip pointer during the Game 2 loss. However, Garnett has been declared ready to play in Game 3, which will be pivotal for the Celtics as the series shifts back to Boston in what is sure to be an emotional game.

Friday's playoff game marks the first time the Celtics have played in Boston since the deadly Boston Marathon bombings on April 15 that killed three and wounded more than 180 people, culminating in a weeklong manhunt that shut down Western Massachusetts and captured the attention of media nationwide. Already one of the proudest, loudest fan bases in the NBA, the Celtics fans should be loud and raucous for Game 3 as they hope to give their beloved Celtics an emotional boost. But will it be enough to propel Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Celtics back into the playoff race, or will Anthony and the Knicks withstand the tide and put the Celtics on the brink of elimination?

We'll find out tonight as Latinos Post breaks down the key matchups for tonight's game:

Match-ups

Center: Tyson Chandler, Knicks vs. Kevin Garnett, Celtics

Both Chandler and Garnett are dealing with nagging injuries, Chandler dealing with a neck injury while Garnett suffered a hip pointer. Neither All-Star center has made their presence felt in the series yet, but Chandler, an NBA title winner with Dallas in 2011, knows all about winning on the road and what it takes to perform there. Garnett, who led the Celtics to the title in 2008, also knows about high pressured playoff games as well. For Chandler, he has to get back to scoring and rebounding in double figures, while Garnett will have to turn the clock back and see if he can be an offensive force to make up for scoring void that Rajon Rondo's absence has left.

Advantage: Even

Power forward: Carmelo Anthony, Knicks vs. Brandon Bass, Celtics

How do you stop the best scorer in the NBA when he's on a tear of a lifetime? So far, the Celtics haven't been able to figure out that riddle yet, as Anthony has imposed his will on the series, scoring 35.0 points on 45.3 percent shooting in the series. Bass will need whatever help Pierce and Garnett can supply to slow Anthony down. But so far, that hasn't been enough. Anthony also has to make sure that he doesn't get prone to playing iso-ball and lets the ball circulate enough for some of the other Knicks to get involved and get the support he needs.

Advantage: Knicks

Small forward: Iman Shumpert, Knicks vs. Jeff Green, Celtics

After scoring 26 points in Game 1, Green was ice-cold from the field with a 3-for-11 performance Tuesday. If the Celtics want a chance to win Game 3, Green will have to find the mark on his shooting, but Shumpert, a noted defensive ace, will be sure to be doing his best to make sure that Green doesn't get hot again.

Advantage: Even

Shooting guard: Pablo Prigioni, Knicks vs. Paul Pierce, Celtics

Pierce is one of the best pressure players in the league, but the pressure will be higher than in years past with the Celtics' backs against the wall. Unquestionably the Celtics' top gun, Pierce has been scoring 19.5 points in the series. Prigioni, who has been doing a great job finding open teammates and keeping the ball moving on offense, will need help from guards like Jason Kidd and perhaps even Anthony to try and keep a lid on Pierce, who must bring his A-game or it could be curtains for the Celtics' season.

Advantage: Celtics

Point Guard: Raymond Felton, Knicks vs. Adrian Bradley, Celtics

Felton has to be more consistent on offense and play as he did on Tuesday, when he went 8-for-15 from the field with 16 points, and a few more assists wouldn't hurt, either. Bradley, one of Boston's best defenders, has to make sure that he keeps Felton under control and, if possible, perhaps even be thrown on Anthony for a little while.

Advantage: Even

 

Bench

J.R. Smith has been red hot from the bench against Boston, averaging 17 points for the series. Steve Novak hasn't been much of a factor, but can still hit the three-ball as well as anyone, and Jason Kidd's veteran savvy has been paying dividends for the Knicks. Kenyon Martin continues to bedevil the Celtics with rebounds, defense, hustle and an overall effort that has lifted the Knicks late in the season.

For the Celtics, Jason Terry has the potential to be a major factor, but scored a meager nine points on 3-of-8 shooting on Tuesday. Jordan Crawford picked it up with 10 points, and must continue to push hard if he wants to provide the Celtics offensive support, while Courtney Lee and Chris Wilcox must also strive for quality minutes off the bench for Boston.

Advantage: Knicks

Date, Time, and TV Schedule

No.2 New York Knicks (54-28) vs. No.7 Boston Celtics (41-40)

Date and Time: Fri., April 26, 8 p.m. EST

TV Schedule: ESPN, MSG, ComCast SportsNet New England

Live Stream: WatchESPN.com