orn out of the verbal slings, bitter stings and side-by-side snapshots of triumph and despair from last year's heated Eastern Conference finals, the Nets-Celtics rivalry may be ready to rise to another level starting Monday at Continental Arena.

The Nets and the Celtics meet one round earlier this year, in the conference semifinals, but they seem ready for each other. Already there is a faint crackle of dislike in the air.

Nets Coach Byron Scott said yesterday, "With everything that was said, especially by the fans, and the fact we're going into a very hostile environment, obviously, there's no love lost.

"Our guys had some outrage. I think they're looking forward to it."