The New York Knicks (34-17) host the Boston Celtics (36-16) in an Eastern Conference heavyweight bout on Saturday night. The Celtics will look to bounce back after a surprising home loss to the Mavericks as 12-point favorites, while the Knicks will look to continue their recent form, winning seven of their last eight games. Can Jayson Tatum lead Boston to a road win on Saturday? Let’s dive into the matchup and find out.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Betting Odds
Preview: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks, 8:30 p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | -3.5 (-110) | -164 | O 232 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | +3.5 (-110) | +138 | U 232 (-110) |
Odds as of February 8, 2025 at Sportsbook
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Expert Picks
Boston Celtics -3.5 (-110) at Sportsbook
It’s not often that you see the Celtics totally handled on their home floor, but that’s precisely what happened on Thursday, as Boston waved the white flag with around 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter, pulling its starters while nursing a 24-point deficit. That should give the starters plenty of time to prepare for this pivotal primetime matchup against a surging Knicks team, one of its top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
These teams matched up once already this season, with the Celtics winning 132-109 at home. Jayson Tatum was masterful in that contest, finishing with 37 points on 14-18 shooting and 8-11 from 3-point range. While the Knicks have rangy, defensive-minded wings to throw at Tatum, such as Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, it didn’t bother him in the prior matchup.
The Celtics were missing Kristaps Porzingis in that game, and his presence will be critical tonight. Porzingis allows the second-lowest field goal percentage on shots inside six feet in the NBA. He’s not a renowned rebounder, but his role in that department will also be important against Karl-Anthony Towns, who ranks second in the league with 13.6 rebounds per game.
Boston will be without Jrue Holiday tonight, as he’s dealing with a shoulder injury. His defensive presence would have been critical against Jalen Brunson, who has been on a heater lately with 28+ points in three of his last four games. Instead, the Celtics will turn to Derrick White as the primary defender on Brunson, with Tatum and Jaylen Brown likely providing help defense.
The Celtics have excelled when playing after a loss this season, going 14-1 straight up and 12-3 ATS. They’re also a stellar 20-6 SU on the road, including 19-4 SU as a road favorite. In this potential playoff preview between Eastern Conference foes, bet on Boston to rebound from their loss on Thursday with a statement win in primetime.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Player Prop
Payton Pritchard Over 12.5 Points (-115) Sportsbook
With Jrue Holiday sidelined tonight, expect the Celtics to rely on Payton Pritchard’s scoring off the bench. Pritchard is having a standout season for Boston, scoring 13.6 points per game as the current favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year. The Celtics will likely start Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt as they did on Thursday, but Pritchard played 33 minutes in that contest and finished with 21 points. Pritchard has scored 13+ points in 25 of 38 games (66%) this season with 24+ minutes played.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Betting Trends
- The Celtics are 14-1 SU and 12-3 ATS after a loss this season
- The Celtics are 20-6 SU on the road, including 19-4 SU as a road favorite
- The Celtics have won five of their last six games against the Knicks
