Knicks-Celtics holiday treat?
Paul Pierce #34, right, of the Boston Celtics is congratulated by Shawne Williams #3 of the New York Knicks after Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. (April 24, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
The Knicks are slated to host the Boston Celtics, the team that eliminated them from the playoffs this spring, on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden. The NBA is expected to announce its 2011-12 schedule Tuesday, but a league source said Monday that the Knicks-Celtics will be one of the Christmas Day matchups. The Celtics swept the Knicks from the first round of the playoffs in April.
The Miami Herald reported Sunday that the Dallas Mavericks will play the Miami Heat on Christmas Day in an NBA Finals rematch.
The entire schedule, of course, is contingent upon the lockout being lifted in time for the regular season to start Nov. 1. The league imposed a lockout July 1, and owners and players have not scheduled a date for labor talks to resume.
