Rivals going up, down

C’s, Knicks on different paths

CELTICS NOTEBOOK

WALTHAM — The Celtics and New York Knicks are proceeding in opposite directions in the Atlantic Division.

Brad Stevens intends to keep the longtime rivals advancing on those same tracks when they meet tonight at the Garden.

“I don’t think we should overreact to anything we’ve done because we’ve been fortunate to win some close games and they have been unfortunate to not win some close games and this thing can all change really quickly,” the Celtics coach said after practice yesterday.

The C’s are 9-2 in their last 11 games including a 7-0 run at home following Monday night’s 108-98 victory against the Charlotte Hornets. The two losses came on the road against division leaders Cleveland (Central) and Toronto (Atlantic).

The Knicks are 2-11 in their last 13 games, a free fall that was accentuated by Monday night’s dispirited 108-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.

The Celtics were more concerned with results than records in practice. The Celts are 2-0 against the Knicks and their current run began with a 119114 victory on Christmas Day at MSG.

“They are a team that can put you in a lot of bad spots and you have to play really good and really tight against them on both ends of the floor,” Stevens said. “It’s a team that our guys really respect.”

Big concerns for NY

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek had to make an 11thhour lineup change before Monday’s game. He elected to sit 7-foot-3, 240-pound, power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who experienced discomfort in his Achilles tendon during a pregame shootaround. Porzingis’ status for tonight is uncertain, which poses matchup problems for Stevens.

“When you talk about the Knicks you always start with ( Carmelo) Anthony and Porzingis and ( Derrick) Rose’s ability to create for himself and others,” Stevens said. “It’s a scary thing and they played unique (Monday). They went small with Anthony at the 4 when Porzingis wasn’t available.

“You could easily see an Anthony-Porzingis 4-5 or one of those guys at the 4 with a more traditional center.”

Bradley in rhythm

Avery Bradley was feeling fine while finding his rhythm during practice. The Celtics guard was a bit out of sync against the Hornets despite getting ample minutes in his first start after missing four straight games with a strained right Achilles tendon.

Bradley played 32:45 and was 2-of-9 from the floor, 1-of-6 from behind the arc with three rebounds, three assists and two turnovers.

“I was a little sore but I tried not to think about it and just go out there in practice and try to get into a rhythm,” Bradley said. “I just have to get my rhythm back but I’m fine and I’m looking forward to (tonight’s) game.”

Bradley is averaging 17.7 points, 2.4 assists and 6.9 rebounds in 36 games. In two games against New York this season, he averaged 32 minutes with 13.0 points, 8.0 boards and 2.0 assists.

“I feel like we are in a great rhythm right now and it helps having somebody like Isaiah ( Thomas) in a good shooting rhythm right now,” Bradley said. “He is getting us going and making easy plays for the entire team.”