Celtics at Knicks Tonight — Boston Can Clinch the 2-Seed at MSG

This is the most compelling game on tonight's schedule. The Boston Celtics (54-25) visit the New York Knicks (51-28) at Madison Square Garden with a chance to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. A win locks it up. The Knicks would need to win all three remaining games AND have Boston lose all three to steal it.

But the real storyline is Jayson Tatum. This is his first time stepping onto the MSG floor since he ruptured his Achilles tendon in a playoff game against the Knicks last season — an injury that kept him out for months. The Celtics have won four straight and seven of their last eight. The Knicks have won five straight at home.

Boston could be shorthanded — reports indicate up to four starters might rest. But if Tatum plays, the narrative writes itself. The last time he was at the Garden, he was carried off the floor. Tonight, he walks back on with a chance to clinch a top seed.