Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - Game 1: Celtics at Knicks

The day has finally arrived.

The Celtics and Knicks will kick off the NBA playoffs this afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

Both teams have had two days to practice and to get healthy. For the Knicks, Tyson Chandler, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin are all active and ready to go. Pablo Prigioni is out for today's game but is expected to return for Game 2. For the Celtics, everyone is healthy and ready to go.

The Celtics announced today that they will be wearing patches on their jerseys for the remainder of the season in memory of those lost in the Boston Marathon tragedy.

The patch the Celtics will wear.

Here we go:

Projected lineups:

Celtics:
Avery Bradley
Paul Pierce
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Kevin Garnett

Knicks:
Raymond Felton
Iman Shumpert
Carmelo Anthony
Chris Copeland
Tyson Chandler

Keys to the game:

1. The three: The Knicks have lived and died by the three all season long. So far, it has worked. New York is 39-12 when making 10 or more three-pointers. In four games against the Celtics, the Knicks averaged 11 threes a game. Simply put, if the Celtics can limit New York's effectiveness from beyond the arc, they'll be in a great position to steal this one.

2. Do it: Everyone knows that this Celtics team is built for the playoffs. The regular season is obviously important, but this team has shown that they can turn the switch whenever they want. Hopefully they can today. Considering the emotion of not only the playoffs but also the events that have taken place in Boston during the past week, the Celtics should have a lot of motivation today. It's just a matter of going out there and doing it.