The New York Knicks (0-1) and Boston Celtics (0-1) meet Friday for their second game in the 2026-27 NBA season. Tip-off from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, is set for 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let's analyze NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Knicks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: 3-1 Knicks with teams splitting in games Boston
The Knicks and Celtics clash in a battle of two teams that would like to redo their emotional season openers.
New York still had a memorable day as the team raised their first championship banner to the rafters of Madison Square Garden in 53 years. However, the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled the evening in the end by taking a 106-100 win, with a bit of Celtic on their side.
The 76ers were too much to handle for the Knicks in the debuts of new two big names: F LeBron James and former longtime Boston G Jaylen Brown. New York's stars left a bit to be desired in the outing with C Karl-Anthony Towns (19 points, 12 rebounds) and G Jalen Brunson (21 points, 3 assists) leaving something to be desired.
Meanwhile, the Celtics turned to a new chapter without Brown. F Paul George, acquired via trade this season in the deal involving Brown, had a strong debut, but Boston fell short at the Detroit Pistons 121-113. George had 38 points and 5 rebounds in his Celtics debut as it was F Jayson Tatum coming up short. Tatum was 6 for 23 shooting with 13 points and 11 assists.
Boston was 56-26 last season and were upset in the first round of the NBA postseason by the 76ers. The Knicks finished the regular season 53-29 a year ago.
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Knicks at Celtics odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 101131 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Knicks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Celtics -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +2.5 (-115) | Celtics -2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Knicks at Celtics key injuries
Knicks
- None
Celtics
- G Devin Carter (illness) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Knicks at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 115, Knicks 109
Moneyline
BET CELTICS (-140).
The Knicks looked more off as a team to start the season as opposed to the Celtics, who scored 30 points in multiple quarters in their first outing. There is no reason to worry about the Knicks long-term, but it's Boston's home opener and fans should see their Celtics create a better output defensively and see a better shooting performance from Tatum.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -2.5 (-110).
It's a tight spread for good reason. The Celtics should cover this one if taking the extra juice is more your thing.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 223.5 (-110).
In the NBA's entire Friday night spread, this is the lowest points total in the field. These two teams have enough talented players to make the Over, and the number might be a knee-jerk reaction to opening night. Take advantage of it.
Best prop bet
Celtics G PAUL GEORGE OVER 17.5 POINTS (-114).
There's no reason to overthink this one. After a 38-point night George put together in the Celtics' opener, it would be a surprise for him to dip in the points department this much in one game.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions
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