It sounds like there will be no reprieve for the Celtics from physical play on their way to a hopeful title defense.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t sugarcoating what’s coming next. After a gritty five-game battle with the Orlando Magic, the defending champions are preparing for a second-round playoff clash with the New York Knicks—and it’s shaping up to be another war of attrition.

The Boston Celtics were able to finish off the Orlando Magic in five games despite missing Jrue Holiday for the back half of the series. Holiday's energy and effort on both ends of the floor, but especially on the defensive end,