Mitchell Robinson will see familiar blue uniforms across the floor Friday night, but he will be protecting Boston’s basket when the Celtics host the champion New York Knicks. It is an early-season meeting with plenty of history packed inside it. Robinson helped New York win last season’s title, and now his size gives Boston a new tool against the team he left behind.

As of Wednesday, both clubs stood at 0-1 after close opening-night losses. That makes this more than a rematch of Eastern Conference heavyweights. It is a chance for one team to grab its first win and start shaping its new season story.

Boston’s first game showed two sides of its new look. The Celtics scored 113 points and made more than 40 percent of their three-point shots, so their outside attack already looks dangerous. Paul George led that charge with 38 points, using smooth drives and tough jumpers while also collecting five steals. A steal happens when a defender takes the ball away, and George’s five showed how active he can be at both ends.

But the Celtics also allowed 121 points to Detroit and finished with an eight-point loss. Their biggest job now is turning strong scoring into sturdier defense. Derrick White can help there. He combines smart passes with pesky defense, and his eight assists in the opener showed that he can keep teammates involved. Jayson Tatum, meanwhile, made only a small share of his shots in the first game but handed out 11 assists. That is an important clue: even when his shot is not falling, Boston’s leader can still control the action and create open looks.

Robinson could become the bridge between Boston’s scorers and its defense. The 7-footer blocks shots, chases missed shots near the rim, and finishes close to the basket. Those skills matter against a Knicks team that gathered 53 rebounds in its opener. Rebounding is the race for the ball after a missed shot, and New York plays that race with real force.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 12 rebounds while scoring 19 points on sharp shooting. He can pull a center away from the hoop with his long-range shot, then battle inside for loose balls. Josh Hart brings the same all-out chase from the guard spot, while Jalen Brunson remains New York’s clever closer. Brunson scored 21 points in the opener, though Boston’s quick guards will try to crowd his driving lanes and make each shot difficult.

The Knicks have a defense built for this challenge. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are long, disciplined wings who can take turns guarding Tatum and George. Still, New York shot only 37.2 percent in its opener. The champions need cleaner looks and more help for Brunson if they want to break through Boston’s pressure.

This game may swing on the paint. If Robinson can limit Towns’ second chances and Boston keeps the rebound battle close, Tatum and George should have room to make plays late. The Knicks have the championship toughness and stronger early rebounding numbers, but Boston’s home floor, hot outside shooting, and deeper group of creators give the Celtics a narrow edge. Prediction: Boston wins.

Mitchell Robinson Faces His Former Knicks as Boston Seeks a Fast Reset