New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats – 04/08/2025

On Tuesday, 04/08, the New York Knicks (50-28) will host the Boston Celtics (58-20) in an Eastern Conference match-up. The Knicks have a firm grip on the third spot, while the Celtics have cemented their 2nd position. Will the gutsy Knicks stand a chance against surging reigning champs? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics

Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York City, NY)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Preview

Knicks: Strong roster, but can they make an impact in post-season?

The New York Knicks will enter the game after an expected 14-point win against the Phoenix Suns on the heels of a 32-point performance by OG Anunoby. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson had just 15 points on a poor 33% shooting, a month after returning from an injury. At any rate, the Knicks have won seven of their last nine games to overcome a 3-6 period before that.

Brunson’s return will be key ahead of the upcoming playoffs, as the team will most likely face a formidable foe in the Detroit Pistons/Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. They have done well lately, mostly because of Anunoby’s elevated play. Karl-Anthony Towns has been brilliant, too, while Mikal Bridges’s scoring and Josh Hart’s playmaking have been terrific. Their defense has also been impressive as they have conceded just 107.5 points per game(6th) in the last ten games.

Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: Mikal Bridges | OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Key Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report.

Celtics: Playing like the defending champs

The Boston Celtics will enter the affair after a 32-point demolition job over the Washington Wizards as Payton Pritchard put up 20 points. They have won 10 of their last 11 games, holding a 26-5 record since late February, one of the best records in the period beside Oklahoma City Thunder. The Celts are indeed playing like the championship unit last season, which was expected since their core is intact.

They have honed the modern basketball perfectly as evident by their three-point shooting. No one comes close to their 17.9 made three-pointers per game mark this season. It is an increase of 1.3 compared to last season, indicating that the Celts are getting even more lethal from the three-point line. They are the favorites to make it out of the East, considering the erratic play of the #1 seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Derrick White | SG/SF: Jaylen Brown | SF/PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis

Key Injuries/Updates: Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown are QUESTIONABLE. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are PROBABLE. Al Horford is OUT.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Total Over/Under Prediction

The Knicks are usually in the 110s, meanwhile, the Celts’ defense is terrific at limiting teams below 110. On the other hand, the Celtics have scored 115+ regularly, even against above-average to great defenses. Meanwhile, the Knicks are terrific defensively and can limit teams to below 110 just like the Celts. I believe this battle will hover in the 220s, with both teams scoring at least 108.

Total Over 223.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Celtics Over 112.5 for +110 at BetMGM

New York Knicks Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Karl-Anthony Towns to grab over 12.5 rebounds: The Knicks center has put up 12 rebounds per game in the last four games. I believe he will be over the mark in this game.

Josh Hart to dish over 7.5 assists: The all-around guard has averaged 7 assists per game in March thus far. I believe he will be in the 8-11 range here.

Boston Celtics Player Props Predictions – Projected Top Bets & Odds

Jayson Tatum to score over 28.5 points: The Celtics’ Wing has accumulated over 26 points a game since March. He had 25 in the last meeting against the Knicks, and I believe he will score at least 4 more points than that here.

Derrick White to be held under 3.5 threes: The Celtics guard has nailed 3.4 triples per game in the last five games. I believe the Knicks will hold them under 3 long-range shots here.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Prediction

The Knicks are in terrific shape, but the Celtics are relentless. Boston has won all three meetings between them thus far, all with double digits. Thus, the onus is on the Knicks to prove they can hang with the title favorites here. I believe they will come up with their best effort of the season here, and while they MAY not win, they can keep the losing margin below 6 points. UPDATE: The Celts may rest some of their starters, improving the Knicks’ chances here.

Safe Spread Pick: Knicks -3.5 for +125 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Brad Penner- Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!