The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks lock horns for the final time before a potential NBA playoffs conference semis matchup. The Celtics are second in the East standings with a 54-25 record, while the Knicks are 51-28 in third. They have met three times before, with New York leading the season series 2-1.
However, the Celtics are at full strength with Jayson Tatum back to face the Knicks for the first time since he injured his Achilles in last year’s playoffs. Boston has been on a tear despite the growing pains of reintegrating their superstar forward. On the other hand, the Knicks have managed winning streaks in recent weeks, but have struggled against other teams better than .500.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Game Details
Prime Video will provide coverage of the Celtics-Knicks game on Thursday. NBA League Pass will globally stream the contest online. MSG Network will broadcast the game locally in New York at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Celtics vs. Knicks Odds
Moneyline: Celtics +135, Knicks -175
Spread: Celtics +4.5 (-115), Knicks -4.5 (-107)
Total over/under: Celtics u217.5 (-107), Knicks o217.5 (-112)
Celtics vs. Knicks Preview
The Boston Celtics enter this contest coming off a four-game winning streak. They beat the Charlotte Hornets 113-102 on Tuesday. Jaylen Brown scored 35 points, while Jayson Tatum added 23. The Celtics overcame a poor offensive start to win this contest, trailing 31-20 after the opening 12 minutes. Boston relied on its 3-point shooting to get the win, making 17 of 42 attempts.
On the other hand, the New York Knicks have won three straight. They beat the Atlanta Hawks 108-105 on Monday. It was a neck-and-neck contest and one that nearly went to overtime after CJ McCollum made a half-court heave, which was eventually ruled out as it went in after the buzzer had sounded.
Jalen Brunson recorded a 30-point double-double with 13 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby combined for 43 points. The Knicks were phenomenal on defense from the second quarter, and it was one of the major reasons for their gritty win.
The Celtics face a few injury concerns as Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser, four of their five starters, are all questionable to play. The Knicks, meanwhile, have listed Tyler Kolek as questionable.
Celtics vs. Knicks Betting Tips
Jaylen Brown is favored to score over 26.5 points.
Jayson Tatum is favored to grab over 8.5 rebounds.
Jalen Brunson is favored to dish under 7.5 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns is favored to record under 31.5 combined points and rebounds.
Celtics vs. Knicks Starting Lineups
Celtics
PG – Derrick White*, SG – Jaylen Brown*, SF – Sam Hauser*, PF – Jayson Tatum, C – Neemias Queta*
Knicks
PG – Jalen Brunson, SG – Mikal Bridges, SF – OG Anunoby, PF – Josh Hart, C – Karl-Anthony Towns
Celtics vs. Knicks Prediction
Oddsmakers favor the Knicks to win by more than four points. The Celtics could rest some of their starters, and it could get tricky on the road against a near full-strength Knicks roster. New York also holds a head-to-head advantage, so it’s ideal to pick it to win this contest.
