NBA ahead: Boston plays at New York on Monday

BOSTON AT NEW YORK: Monday at 4:30 p.m. PDT. TV: NBA TV

Here’s a fun game, since lots of people like to root against the Celtics and Knicks (and the Miami Heat and Lakers) since both are struggling and someone has to lose. Both teams were success stories at the All-Star break before making dramatic/dizzy trades. The Knicks moved everyone on the roster over 6-8½ in bare feet to get Carmelo Anthony. The Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins, the heart of their defense, for Jeff Green, who backs up Paul Pierce, and Nenad Krstic, a misplaced power forward starting at center until Shaquille O’Neal gets back. The Celtics led the Chicago Bulls by five games Jan. 7 but have lost it all in the fight for No. 1 in the East. The Knicks are battling the Philadelphia 76ers for No. 6, hoping to play Miami. Which is yet another mystery.

— Mark Heisler