New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Preview: Can The Knicks Steal One From The Celtics?

Kimberly McClary
Apr 6, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State

The New York Knicks will return to New York to play their final three games of the regular season at home in Madison Square Garden, beginning tonight, April 9, 2026, against their longtime rivals, the Boston Celtics.

Coming off a jaw-dropping win on the road against a red-hot Atlanta Hawks team, the Knicks will look to keep the fire burning going against an Atlantic Division Conference rival that holds the number two seed ahead of the playoffs. 

Game Details

Date:  Thursday, April 9, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM EDT

Location:  Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY

TV/Streaming:  MSG, MSG+/Fubo, Prime Video

Odds: Spread: Knicks -4.5, Celtics +4.5; Moneyline: Knicks -185, Celtics +155, Total (O/U):  215.5

Team Form & Recent Results

New York Knicks Form (51-28)

  • They are 3-2 in their last five games and are currently on a three-game winning streak, including their most recent matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on April 6, 2026, which they won 108-105.
  • In their last five games, they have transitioned from a three-game losing skid to a dominant three-game win streak, highlighting a lethal high-volume offense but also revealing ongoing concerns regarding defensive consistency and bench depth. 

Player Strengths And Weaknesses

  • Strengths: high-octane first halves, rebounding dominance, efficient playmaking, star durability, and performance
  • Weaknesses: defensive slippage, bench scoring deficiency, free-throw disparity, floor spacing 
  • Injuries: Tyler Kolek-Questionable (right oblique strain)

Boston Celtics Form (54-25)

  • They have gone 4-1 in their last five games and are currently on a four-game winning streak, winning their last matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on April 7, 2026, 113-102.
  • During their current four-game winning streak, they have showcased elite offensive efficiency while grappling with roster instability and a slow-paced secondary unit.
  • Strengths: elite first-quarter scoring, star performance continuity, frontcourt efficiency, clutch defense
  • Weaknesses: slow offensive pace, three-point volatility, bench rotation shifts, late-season fatigue, and injuries
  • Injuries: Jaylen Brown-Out (left achilles tendinitis); Derrick White-Questionable (right knee contusion); Sam Hauser-Questionable (low back spasms); Neemias Queta-Questionable (right toe sprain)

Key Players To Watch

New York Knicks

With the Celtics’ frontcourt health in question, Knicks’ Center Karl-Anthony Towns is their biggest mismatch. He currently ranks second in the NBA in rebounding at 11.9 per game, and in his last few games.

He has been playing as a point center. Forward OG Anunoby is coming off a 31-point performance against the Chicago Bulls. If he continues to make his corner three-pointers, it can prevent Boston from double-teaming Jalen Brunson in the pick-and-roll.

Knicks’ Point Guard Brunson had two 31-point outings against the Celtics this season. If the Celtics defensive anchor, White, does not play, Brunson will more than likely have a massive scoring night against Boston’s smaller backup guards like Payton Pritchard.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Jalen Brunson (PG)
  2. Mikal Bridges (SG)
  3. Josh Hart (SF)
  4. OG Anunoby (PF)
  5. Karl-Anthony Towns (C)

Boston Celtics 

Celtics Forward Jayson Tatum is the primary focus in tonight’s matchup as he returns to the arena where he suffered a traumatic Achilles tear. After a slow start following his March return, he has averaged 25.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.8 assists over his last five games.

With Brown out and White listed as a questionable game-time decision, Guard Pritchard will be expected to shoulder a massive load. He has averaged 3.2 made three-pointers over his last 10 games. 

If he is cleared to play, Center Queta’s interior presence will be vital to matching up against Towns. He leads the Celtics in rebounding average at 8.4 per game.  His physicality alone can change how Minnesota attacks the paint.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Payton Pritchard (PG)
  2. Baylor Scheierman (SG)
  3. Jayson Tatum (SF)
  4. Jordan Walsh (PF)
  5. Nikola Vucevic (C)

Can Tatum Hold Off Brunson And Towns Without Brown?

This matchup between the New York Knicks’ offense, ranked third, and the Boston Celtics’ defense, ranked fourth, is a clash of elite units that could decide the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

While the Celtics’ explosive scoring makes them a threat in every matchup, the Knicks’ ability to restrict long-range attempts and force turnovers has historically kept games between these two teams close.

Knicks Offense vs. Celtics Defense

Brunson has dominated the season series against Boston, averaging 31 points in two separate games. He is also currently averaging 8.5 assists since the All-Star break. The Celtics often use a drop coverage with their bigs to force Brunson into mid-range jumpers rather than baskets at the rim.

The Knicks’ offense thrives on second-chance opportunities, ranking fifth in offensive rebounds. They will look to exploit a potentially shorthanded Celtics frontcourt. Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s defensive strategy may be compromised in tonight’s game.

Brown was ruled out, and White was listed as questionable. The burden to contain New York’s top-tier offense will fall heavily on Tatum and Pritchard. Boston can’t afford a slow start with that much firepower missing.

Celtics Offense vs. Knicks Defense

The Celtics lead the league in three-point attempts at nearly 50 per game. During the regular season, New York has been one of the NBA’s most effective teams at restricting these long-range attempts.

Though the Celtics have found ways to exploit their pick-and-roll coverage in past meetings. The Knicks’ defense thrives on disruption, with players like Mikal Bridges recently recording multiple games with three or more steals. 

Head coach Mike Brown will look to capitalize on Boston’s tendency to be “sloppy” at times, as they average 16 turnovers per game in this season’s series. The Knicks hold an advantage in the paint, allowing 43.6 points per game. This will be a significant hurdle for the Celtics, who average 44.7 points in the paint.

Prediction

Predicted Winner: New York Knicks

Projected Score: Knicks 116, Celtics 112

Win Probability: Sportsbooks currently give the Knicks a 65% chance to win outright.

Over/Under: 215.5 points

What To Expect In Tonight’s Matchup?

Fans should expect an emotional return to the Garden for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon 11 months ago for Celtics superstar Tatum. He has confirmed he will play despite admitting he is not thrilled to return to the scene of his traumatic injury. The Celtics can officially lock up the number two seed in the East and the Atlantic Division title with a win tonight. 

Currently the number three seed, the Knicks are only a half-game ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers. A win tonight will help them maintain home-court advantage for a potential second-round matchup.