Tuesday, November 18 vs. New York Knicks

What It means: That someone will have a chance to step up. With KG suspended, one of the reserves must fill the void. Does Leon get the call? Will Doc turn back to Scal? Will Kevin McHale feel bad for the C’s and trade us Kevin Love for a game? Tonight, we find out.

Player to Watch: Wilson Chandler

Chandler is the new David Lee. Which is too say, the mere mention of his name gets Knicks fans more aroused than Donny Marshall in a Ray Allen museum. He’s averaging 14 points and five and a half rebounds a game, and that only figures to improve as his minutes increase.

Match-Up To Watch: Ray Allen vs. Jamal Crawford

Ray’s going to have to work it defensively tonight. There’s no such thing as playing off of Jamal Crawford—the dude will take a jumper from half-court if he’s got a clear view of the rim.

Fun Fact: Before losing to the Mavericks on Sunday night, the Knicks were three games over .500 for the first time since December of 2004.

Random Old Celtics/Kicks Box Score: November 5, 1993—Making their Celtic debuts, Dino Radja and Acie Earl combine for 30 points, but Patrick "Goomba" Ewing drop 32 all by himself and the Knicks kick off the 93-94 season with 111-108 win. Doc Rivers starts at point guard for NY and records a gentle nine points and six assists.

Prop Bet: Odds that Mike D’Antoni catches Eddy Curry sneaking clam chowder into a Gatorade cup at halftime: 7 to 5.

Headline You Might Read Tomorrow: Knicks still shooting for King James in 2010.

Headline You Won’t Read Tomorrow: Knicks announce extension for Burger King James through 2020.

Thursday, November 20 vs. Detroit Pistons

What It means: The Pistons are in Boston for the first time this year. The Garden is rocking. Tayshawn Prince is looking a little odd.

Player to Watch: Kwame Brown

Since being inserted (sorry for that phrase) into the starting line-up last week, Brown has twice scored in double figures and even has a pretty little double-double to his name. Not saying there’s anything to get excited about yet, but he’s at least reached Player to Watch status. If Kwame keeps this up, can’t you imagine a bitter Michael Jordan trying to seek some sort of vengeance? All he’d have to do is send Brown one text message. Something like, "I still own you, bitch!" and Kwame’s back to Earth in no time. 

Match-Up To Watch: Leon Powe vs. Jason Maxiell

A battle of the two most important bench players in the Eastern Conference.

Fun Fact: After seeing his new ESPN Player Profile photo, I’m nicknaming Richard Hamilton "Mahmoud Abdul- Ripauf"

Random Old Celtics/Pistons Box Score: March 20, 1992—The Celtics overcome a typical 27 points from Isiah Thomas and 25 rebounds from Dennis Rodman to beat the bad bots 104-99. The C’s are led by the late great Reggie Lewis who dropped 29 points in an amazing 46 minutes, and Stojko Vrancovic, who scored zero points in one minute.

Prop Bet: Abdul-Ripauf flops (-2) vs. Leon Powe charges drawn.

Headline You Won’t Read Tomorrow: Rasheed Wallace compliments referee to a chorus of strange looks. 

Headline You Might Read Tomorrow: Walter Hermann compliments KG on "totally cute sweater vest" to a chorus fists to the face.

Friday, November 21 @ Minnesota Timberwolves 

What It means: That KG will take the floor in Minnesota for the first time since the trade. 

Player to Watch: Ryan Gomes

Not sure why Gomes hasn’t caught on more in Minnesota. He’s certainly not buried on the bench, but he’s played more than 30 minute only once this season for a very poor team. What’s more disturbing is that in the one 30-plus outing, Gomes only grabbed two boards.

Match-Up To Watch: Al Jefferson vs. Kevin Garnett

They might not even guard each other, but anytime these two face off for the next three years or so, they are the preeminent match-up. If Big Al continues to progress, this might end up being one of the most even trades in NBA history. 

Fun Fact: Since the start of last season, Kevin Garnett has 34 double-doubles. Al Jefferson has 61.

Fun Fact 2: Since the start of last season, Kevin Garnett’s Celtics have won 75 games. Al Jefferson’s Wolves have won 23.

Random Old Celtics/Wolves Box Score: December 22, 1995—Todd Day spoils Kevin Garnett’s first trip to Boston, by unloading for 41 points in a 114-113 Celtics victory. KG comes off the bench to score 17 points in 19 minutes. 

Prop Bet: Ovations for Kevin Garnett (-2.5) vs. Extended boos for Randy Wittman.

Headline You Won’t Read Tomorrow: Where’s the Love? Rookie forward disappoints in his first game against the Champs.

Headline You Might Read Tomorrow: Stay Bassy, Minnesota: Sebastian Telfair continues to show maturity; is only arrested once on Friday night..

Sunday, November 23 @ Toronto Raptors

What It means: Just another Atlantic division tilt. Not sure why we have to see the Raptors twice before getting a taste of the Sixers or Magic, but hey, a little trip to Canada never hurt nobody! Well, except for maybe Kareem.

Player to Watch: Joey Graham

He’s the Raptors Leon Powe—only with a little more range and a lot less POWE! He’s not getting the minutes yet, but he’s one of those intangibles guys who could eventually help turn a playoff series or two.  

Match-Up To Watch: Kevin Garnett vs. Jose Calderon

Unfortunately, KG’s recent suspension might reign in his intensity slightly (if only for a week or two), but on the brightside, Calderon now has a far better chance of making it out of this game alive.

Fun Fact: In his rookie season, No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani scored 11.6 points a game. During his sophomore campaign, that number dipped to 10.2. And in year number three? You guessed it, 9.7 ppg. Andrea is the anti-Kevin McHale.

Random Old Celtics/Raptors Box Score: March 2, 2003—The Celtics drop a tough one to the Raptors, 104-92, despite 38 points from Antoine Walker. Oddly enough, Antoine took 31 shots this game, and only seven of them were three pointers. My guess would have been 30. Also, one more little nugget: Of the 19 players who saw the court in this game—not even six years ago—only five of them are still active: Mark Blount, Tony Battie, Vince Carter, Morris Peterson and Rafer Alston.

Prop Bet: Over/Under on Jermaine O’Neal’s crunch time FT-percentage—27%

Headline You Won’t Read Tomorrow: Canadiens applaud the National Anthem for the first time in years.

Headline You Might Read Tomorrow: Canadiens continue to applaud Bryan Adams.