New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Preview

Betting Lines (via DraftKings)

• Spread: Celtics -4.5
• Moneyline: Celtics -175 | Knicks +145
• Total: 213.5
• Tip-Off: 12:30 PM ET (ABC)

Oddsmakers favor Boston at home, but the relatively tight spread suggests they expect a competitive battle from start to finish.

Resume Check

New York Knicks (33–19, 11–13 Away)

• 3rd in Eastern Conference
• Season Series: Tied 1–1 vs Boston
• Team PPG: 117.5
• Key Strength: Physical defense, rebounding, clutch scoring

Boston Celtics (34–18, 17–8 Home)

• 2nd in Eastern Conference
• 5-game winning streak
• Team PPG: 115.6
• Key Strength: Perimeter shooting, ball movement, depth

The Knicks have been one of the league’s most consistent teams all season, while Boston has turned TD Garden into a fortress. This matchup feels like a playoff preview — two disciplined, well-coached teams that know exactly who they are.

Players to Watch

New York

• Jalen Brunson (27.1 PPG, 6.1 APG)
  Brunson has been the engine of this Knicks offense. When he controls pace and gets downhill, New York becomes very difficult to defend.
• Karl-Anthony Towns (19.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG)
  Towns gives New York a huge matchup advantage inside and on the perimeter. His ability to stretch the floor is critical against Boston’s defense.
• OG Anunoby (16.6 PPG, 1.7 STL)
  The Knicks’ defensive anchor. He’ll likely see plenty of Jaylen Brown.

Boston

• Jaylen Brown (29.5 PPG)
  Brown is having an All-NBA type season. If he gets going early, Boston becomes extremely tough to slow down.
• Derrick White (17.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 BLK)
  White’s versatility makes him invaluable. He impacts games on both ends without needing the spotlight.
• Payton Pritchard (17.3 PPG)
  A spark off the bench who can swing momentum quickly with his shooting.

How New York Wins

For the Knicks to leave Boston with a road win, it starts with physicality. They need to control the glass, limit second-chance points, and make this a grind-it-out game. Brunson must consistently win his matchup and create open looks for shooters.

Towns also has to be aggressive. If he can pull Boston’s bigs away from the rim and force switches, New York’s offense opens up. Defensively, Anunoby and Bridges must make life uncomfortable for Brown and White.

Most importantly, the Knicks must take care of the ball. Live-ball turnovers in TD Garden usually lead to momentum swings — something New York cannot afford.

How Boston Wins

Boston’s formula is simple: spacing, pace, and pressure. When the Celtics are moving the ball and knocking down threes, few teams can keep up.

Brown setting the tone early is key. If he attacks the rim and draws defenders, Boston’s shooters benefit. Derrick White’s playmaking will also be crucial against New York’s aggressive defense.

Defensively, Boston must limit Brunson’s penetration. Forcing him into tough mid-range shots instead of paint touches is the priority. If they do that and keep Towns from dominating inside, the Celtics will be in control.

Prediction

This feels like a playoff-style game — physical, intense, and tight into the final minutes. New York’s toughness keeps them close all afternoon, but Boston’s depth and home-court advantage eventually show.

The Celtics’ ball movement and shot-making in the fourth quarter give them just enough separation.

Prediction: Celtics 112, Knicks 106