Celtics, Knicks tip off first of two-game set in New York

The month of January presents both the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics with opportunities to establish themselves as playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The next two games give both teams the chance to make the road more difficult for the other.

The Knicks will look to earn a second straight win Thursday night, when they are scheduled to host the Celtics in the opener of a home-and-home between the longtime