Celtics vs. Knicks Prediction: Last Games, Injury Report, Player Stats, H2H & Best Picks – NBA 9 April., 2026

The Boston Celtics travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks on April 9, 2026, in one of the most anticipated Eastern Conference matchups late in the NBA regular season. Both teams have already secured playoff spots, but the game still carries significant importance as the postseason approaches. New York is fighting to hold its position near the top of the conference standings, while Boston is aiming to secure the No. 2 seed before the playoffs begin. This meeting could also serve as a preview of a potential postseason battle between the two rivals. The Knicks have played strong basketball recently, combining efficient offense with solid defense, especially at home. Meanwhile, the Celtics are beginning to find rhythm again with Jayson Tatum leading the offense after returning from injury earlier in the season. With both teams loaded with talented scorers and playmakers, this matchup at Madison Square Garden is expected to feature high-level basketball and playoff-like intensity.

Match Information

Match	Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks
Date	Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time	7:30 PM ET
Venue	Madison Square Garden
Location	New York, USA
TV Broadcast	Prime Video

Team Records

Team	Record	Conference Standing
Boston Celtics	54–25	Top contender in East
New York Knicks	51–28	Competing for top-3 seed

Both teams are among the strongest in the Eastern Conference and have already secured playoff positions.

Celtics vs Knicks Preview

The Knicks have been playing impressive basketball in recent weeks and continue to build momentum as the regular season comes to an end. New York’s offense revolves around Jalen Brunson, who has developed into one of the most reliable playmakers in the league. His ability to control tempo and create scoring opportunities for teammates has been a key factor behind the Knicks’ success this season.

Boston, on the other hand, remains one of the most balanced teams in the NBA. Jayson Tatum continues to lead the team offensively, while players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White contribute on both ends of the floor. The Celtics also possess one of the league’s strongest defensive systems, which has helped them maintain consistency throughout the season.

Both teams rely heavily on perimeter shooting, and whichever team controls the three-point line could have the advantage in this matchup.

Recent Form

Boston Celtics Last 5 Games

Date	Opponent	Result
Apr 8	Hornets	W
Apr 6	Raptors	W
Apr 4	Bucks	W
Apr 2	Heat	W
Mar 31	Hawks	L

Boston enters this matchup with strong momentum after winning four of its last five games.

New York Knicks Last 5 Games

Date	Opponent	Result
Apr 7	Hawks	W
Apr 4	Bulls	W
Apr 2	Grizzlies	W
Apr 1	Rockets	L
Mar 30	Thunder	L

The Knicks have also been playing well recently, winning three straight games.

Head-to-Head Record

Category	Result
Season Series	Knicks lead
Previous Meeting	Knicks won 111–89
Rivalry	Eastern Conference contenders

These teams have played several competitive games recently, and the rivalry has intensified with playoff implications.

Injury Report

Boston Celtics

Player	Status
Jaylen Brown	Questionable
Derrick White	Questionable
Sam Hauser	Questionable
Neemias Queta	Questionable

Boston’s lineup could depend heavily on the availability of several rotation players.

New York Knicks

Player	Status
Tyler Kolek	Questionable
Mitchell Robinson	Out

New York is mostly healthy entering this important matchup.

Probable Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics

Position	Player
PG	Derrick White
SG	Jaylen Brown
SF	Jayson Tatum
PF	Sam Hauser
C	Neemias Queta

New York Knicks

Position	Player
PG	Jalen Brunson
SG	Mikal Bridges
SF	OG Anunoby
PF	Josh Hart
C	Karl-Anthony Towns

Both teams feature strong starting lineups capable of scoring from multiple positions.

Key Players to Watch

Boston Celtics

Player	Impact
Jayson Tatum	Offensive leader
Jaylen Brown	Scoring and defense
Derrick White	Playmaking and perimeter defense

Tatum remains the focal point of Boston’s offense and can dominate games with scoring and rebounding.

New York Knicks

Player	Impact
Jalen Brunson	Primary playmaker
Karl-Anthony Towns	Interior scoring
OG Anunoby	Defensive presence

Brunson’s ability to create assists and control the pace makes him the engine of the Knicks’ offense.

Team Performance Comparison

Category	Celtics	Knicks
Points Per Game	118+	117+
Points Allowed	107+	111+
Offensive Rank	Top tier	Top tier
Defensive Rank	Elite	Strong

Both teams rank among the better offensive and defensive units in the league.

Betting Odds

Market	Odds
Spread	Knicks -4.5
Spread	Celtics +4.5
Moneyline	Knicks -175
Moneyline	Celtics +145
Total	216.5

New York enters the game as a moderate home favorite.

Best Player Prop Pick

Player	Prop Bet
Jalen Brunson	Over 7 Assists

Brunson has consistently created scoring chances for teammates and has been averaging strong assist numbers recently.

Best Picks for the Game

Market	Pick
Spread	Celtics +4.5
Total	Over 214.5
Player Prop	Brunson Over 7 Assists

Boston’s ability to compete even when short-handed makes the spread attractive.

Predicted Score

Team	Predicted Score
Boston Celtics	112
New York Knicks	115

Final Prediction

This Eastern Conference showdown features two teams that could realistically meet again during the NBA playoffs. The Knicks have the advantage of playing at home and currently appear to have a healthier roster, which may give them a slight edge in terms of depth and energy.

However, Boston remains one of the most disciplined teams in the league and has proven it can compete even when key players are unavailable. Jayson Tatum’s presence alone gives the Celtics the ability to stay competitive in any matchup.

Expect a close and competitive game at Madison Square Garden, with both teams playing at a high level as they prepare for the postseason. The Knicks may ultimately secure the win at home, but the Celtics should keep the game tight throughout the night.