The most impactful factor in this matchup is Jayson Tatum being OUT, which drastically shifts Boston’s offensive identity and elevates value on several Knicks vs. Celtics predictions, especially the Knicks Moneyline and prop bets involving Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and Jaylen Brown. With New York in better form and Boston missing its top scorer, several NBA betting opportunities line up as strong picks for tonight’s New York vs. Boston game.
*Sports betting is unpredictable – these picks are suggestions based on matchup data and recent performance trends.
Knicks vs. Celtics Game Overview
New York enters the game at 13-6 and riding a three-game winning streak, with victories in four of its last five. The Knicks bring both a top-five offense and a top-five defense into this matchup while ranking 2nd in the NBA in rebounds per game. Boston stands at 11-9 with three wins in their last five and two straight wins, but they rely heavily on their elite defense because their offense sits much lower statistically.
The biggest storyline is Jayson Tatum being out due to a right Achilles repair, leaving Boston without its primary scoring option. That puts pressure on Jaylen Brown to carry the offense and increases Payton Pritchard’s workload after his recent 42-point outburst. New York has also won three of the last five head-to-head meetings – including the most recent matchup on October 24, 2025 (105-95). With OG Anunoby out for the Knicks, their defense loses a valuable wing stopper, but the Celtics’ loss of Tatum is far more damaging.
Knicks Moneyline
New York currently profiles as the more complete and healthier team. The Knicks combine elite rebounding, efficient scoring, and top-tier defense, while Boston enters without Tatum – their leading scorer and late-game closer. Even with Derrick White probable, Boston’s offensive ceiling drops significantly. In contrast, New York’s core is rolling, making the Moneyline a logical pick based on recent form and matchup advantages.
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 Rebounds
Towns ranks 2nd in the NBA in rebounding (11.9 per game), and the matchup favors him on the glass. New York already ranks 2nd in the league in rebounds per game, and Boston loses size and rebounding consistency without Tatum. Towns’ recent trends suggest he can dominate second-chance opportunities and defensive boards, putting the Over firmly in play.
Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 points
Brunson is averaging 28.5 points per game and was recently named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for Week 6. Without Tatum forcing high-intensity matchups on both ends, Boston will likely use Derrick White and Jaylen Brown to check Brunson – but neither matchup is ideal against a guard in elite scoring form. Given his volume and efficiency, clearing 27.5 points is well within reach.
Jaylen Brown Over 32.5 Points + Assists
Brown averages 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, and with Tatum out, he becomes the undisputed focal point of Boston’s offensive possessions. Increased usage, especially in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, should elevate both scoring and playmaking volume. With Payton Pritchard also drawing defensive attention after his 42-point outburst, Brown should get cleaner driving lanes and higher assist potential, making the Over 32.5 a smart prop bet.
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- Source: https://sportshandle.com/knicks-vs-celtics-predictions-and-picks-moneyline-props-nba/
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