The Boston Celtics’ last few visits to Madison Square Garden couldn’t have gone worse, dropping key playoff games and losing Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles, but they’ll get another shot at the New York Knicks in tonight’s matchup.
New York made a winning start on Wednesday in a heavyweight clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but my Celtics vs. Knicks predictions expect Boston to come out swinging here, led by another do-it-all outing from Derrick White.
Take a closer look at this October 24 battle with my free NBA picks.
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Celtics vs Knicks prediction
Celtics vs Knicks best bet: Derrick White Over 29.5 points + rebounds + assists (-106 at bet365)
For all the ‘gap year’ talk around the Boston Celtics, Joe Mazzulla doesn’t seem like someone who’ll subscribe to that philosophy. Boston dropped a winnable game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, and they’ll be competitive as long as Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are healthy.
White jumps out as a value pick tonight with this combo Over. He’s stepping into the biggest offensive role of his career after Tatum’s injury, the Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday trades, and Al Horford’s exit in free agency, and the Celtics will give him every chance to test the limits of his game.
That was crystal clear against the 76ers as White fired up 13 3-pointers and nailed the Over on this number despite an overall 7-for-20 shooting night. In a Boston rotation that features Neemias Queta, Josh Minott and Xavier Tillman, the ball is going to end up in White’s hands late in the shot clock.
While the New York Knicks have talented wing defenders, the Celtics will be hunting Jalen Brunson, and I expect White to be in attack mode any time he gets that matchup. He’s also an underrated rebounder and had 20 boards across the first two games against New York in their playoff series back in May.
Put simply, White should have his fingerprints all over this contest.
Celtics vs Knicks same-game parlay
OG Anunoby was a beast in the Knicks’ win over the Cavs, finishing with 24 points and 14 boards, and I’m targeting the Over on his rebounds prop here.
With Mitchell Robinson sitting out and both Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns listed as questionable, New York may need all the help it can get on the glass, and Anunoby is poised for a heavy workload again tonight.
I’ll also grab the Over, which is 3-1 in the last four regular season meetings between these squads and was a winning ticket in both teams’ season opener.
The Celtics are a lock to fire up a barrage of three-pointers, while Brunson is likely to bounce back from an uncharacteristic 5-for-18 effort against the Cavs.
Celtics vs Knicks SGP
- Derrick White Over 29.5 points + rebounds + assists
- OG Anunoby Over 5.5 rebounds
- Over 230
Our "from downtown” SGP: Simons slowed
Anfernee Simons is going to get his chances off the bench for the Celtics, but there’s a comfort level for Mazzulla in starting Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, who both know the Boston system.
Simons had a decent outing in midweek, with 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting, but this line feels too high against the Knicks’ swarming perimeter defenders. He’s also a minus defender who Brunson will have in his sights on that end of the floor – and that could cut into his minutes.
Celtics vs Knicks SGP
- Derrick White Over 30.5 points+rebounds+assists
- OG Anunoby Over 5.5 rebounds
- Over 230
- Anfernee Simons Under 15.5 points
Celtics vs Knicks odds
- Spread: Boston +3.5 (-110) | New York -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Boston +140 | New York -165
- Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Celtics vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Celtics were 20-5 ATS after a loss last season. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Knicks.
How to watch Celtics vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Friday, October 24, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Celtics vs Knicks latest injuries
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