Last Updated on October 23, 2025 11:10 pm by Alex Becker
The Boston Celtics head to New York to face the Knicks on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET. It’s NBA opening week on Prime Video. Can the Knicks cover the 5.5-point spread as home favorites? Keep reading for our Celtics vs. Knicks betting prediction.
The Boston Celtics are 0-1 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 0-1 ATS this season.
The New York Knicks are 1-0 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 1-0 ATS this season.
Celtics vs. Knicks Matchup & Betting Odds
537 Boston Celtics (+5.5) at 538 New York Knicks (-5.5); o/u 228.5
7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, October 24, 2025
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: Prime Video
Celtics vs. Knicks Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 78% of public bettors are currently backing the Celtics when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Boston Celtics Daily Fantasy Spin
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and center Luka Garza (concussion) will both miss Friday’s game against the Knicks. Tatum is the team’s best player and averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game last season. He injured his Achilles during last year’s playoffs and has an outside shot of playing at some point this season.
In addition to Tatum being out, Boston traded away guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis during this past offseason to save money against the salary cap. Payton Pritchard is now starting at shooting guard, Sam Hauser is starting at power forward, and Neemias Queta is now manning the starting center spot. It remains to be seen how the new-look Celtics will fare in a wide-open Eastern Conference this season.
New York Knicks Daily Fantasy Spin
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) and guard Josh Hart (back) are both officially listed as questionable to play on Friday. It’s worth noting that Towns was questionable ahead of Wednesday’s contest, but ended up playing 31 minutes and posted 19 points and 11 rebounds in a 119-111 New York win. Hart was listed as out ahead of Wednesday’s game and missed that contest, but he has a chance to play on Friday.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will miss Friday’s game with an ankle injury. New York forward OG Anunoby is probable to play against the Celtics as he works through an ankle ailment.
Celtics vs. Knicks NBA Betting Trends
Boston is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against New York.
Boston is 9-14 ATS in division games since the start of last season.
New York is 12-9-1 ATS in division games since the start of last season.
New York is 36-34-1 ATS in conference games since the beginning of last season.
Celtics vs. Knicks NBA Prediction:
I like New York in this contest. A few relevant numbers will illustrate why. The Knicks are 33-27-1 ATS when playing on 1 day of rest and 34-25-1 ATS when playing an opponent on equal rest since the start of last season. Furthermore, New York is 26-24-1 ATS as the home team and 38-34-1 ATS as a favorite since the inception of last year’s campaign. And finally, the Knicks are 23-20-1 ATS as a home favorite since the start of the 2024 season. The pick is New York -5.5 points over Boston at Bovada.lv.