The Knicks face the Celtics for the third time this season, and the visiting team will look to make this one competitive after two blowout losses. The teams are separated by just three games for the No. 2 seed in the East, and this one could have playoff implications.
My Knicks vs. Celtics predictions expect Boston to cover the spread in a high-scoring game with Jayson Tatum leading the way. Read my NBA picks to see why you should take the Over on Tatum’s combo prop.
Knicks vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Jayson Tatum Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Jayson Tatum provided a 15/11/10 triple-double in his first game following the All-Star break, but he rolled in the three games before the break too. In those three, he averaged 48.6 PRAs and hit the Over in all of them. Tatum has posted at least 41 PRAs in 25 of 53 games this year.
Tatum has found great success against the New York Knicks this season, and I expect him to deliver another strong performance at TD Garden today. Tatum is averaging a healthy 41.2 PRAs this season, but he’s averaged 50.5 in two matchups with New York and hit the Over on this line in both.
His success against the Knicks isn’t new. He averaged 38.6 PRAs across five matchups with New York last season. Dating back to the 2022-23 campaign, he’s hit the Over on this line in four of his last six home matchups with the Knicks.
The Boston Celtics superstar has excelled against Atlantic Division opponents this season, averaging 45.5 PRAs and hitting the Over in seven of 10.
Tonight’s matchup may have looked tough on paper a few months ago, but the Knicks’ defense has struggled as of late. Across the last 10 games, the Knicks have allowed the fourth-most points, 13th-most rebounds and 13th-most assists, after starting the season as a Top 15 unit in all three categories.
New York’s defense has surrendered just 33.2 PRAs to opposing PFs this season, but it’s given up 36.9 PRAs to that position across the last seven games. The Knicks are trending in the wrong direction defensively, and Tatum has been excellent against them already. I expect him to take full advantage of this favorable matchup and continue his strong play at home.
Knicks vs Celtics same-game parlay
Jayson Tatum Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists
Over 231
Celtics -8
Boston has hit the Over in three of five and six of 10, and New York has hit that mark in eight of 10. The Knicks are 33-23 to the Over this season, and The Over has hit in three straight head-to-head matchups between the Celtics and Knicks.
Boston should have no problem exploiting a vulnerable New York defense that has allowed 122.6 points per game across the last 10.
New York is just 4-6 ATS across the last 10 games, while Boston is 6-4, and the Knicks have failed to cover in three straight. The Celtics won each of the first two head-to-head matchups by 23 or more points and handily covered the spread in both. That includes a 27-point victory with Jayson Tatum on the sidelines.
Boston hasn’t been phenomenal ATS this season, but the C’s have covered in four straight heading into Sunday’s showdown with the Knicks. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are banged up, but the Celtics are nearly at full-strength, and I expect the healthy home team to keep rolling.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Knicks vs Celtics odds
Knicks vs Celtics live odds
Knicks vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: New York +8 (-110) | Boston -8 (-110)
- Moneyline: New York +275 | Boston -350
- Over/Under: Over 231 (-110) | Under 231 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Knicks vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- New York has covered in just four of its last 10.
- Boston is 6-4 ATS across its last 10.
- The Knicks have hit the Over in three straight.
- The Celtics have hit the Over in six of their last 10.
Knicks vs Celtics trend
The Knicks have hit the Over in 54 of their last 84 games (+22.10 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Celtics.
How to watch Knicks vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Sunday, 2-23-2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Knicks vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
