NY Knicks vs. BOS Celtics

Even though these teams have been at opposite ends of the Atlantic Division standings all season, it would have been hard to imagine just how bad the Boston Celtics would humiliate the New York Knicks when the teams first met.

Amazingly, it's the Knicks who have been causing opponents some embarrassment recently. New York seeks its fifth win in six games and looks to avenge one of the worst losses in franchise history Monday when the Celtics make their first appearance at Madison Square Garden this season.

The lone matchup of the season between these rivals came Nov. 29 in Boston, and it turned out to be the low point of a dreadful first two months for the Knicks. The 104-59 defeat was the third-worst loss and second-lowest scoring performance of the shot-clock era for New York.

Boston hopes to get back starting point guard Rajon Rondo, who has missed two straight games and three of the last four with a bruised back and sore hamstring. Eddie House started the last two games in his place, averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 assists. Boston has won 11 of the past 14 meetings with the Knicks, including four straight at MSG. The Celtics are 10-2 in New York since the start of the 2001-02 season. So I expect them to crush Knicks at least at 8 points.