Boston Celtics (58-20) vs. NY Knicks (50-28)
April 8, 2025 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: NY Knicks +1.5; Over/Under: 222
(Get latest betting odds)
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics have been on a tear as they’ve won 16 of their last 18 games overall, and they will be eager to stay hot after blowing past the lowly Wizards in a 124-90 home win on Sunday. Payton Pritchard led the team with 20 points, six rebounds, and seven assists; Derrick White added 19 points, while Sam Hauser chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds. As a team, the Celtics shot 49 percent from the field and a sizzling 24 of 52 from the 3-point line as they caught fire early and dominated the first half by 60-39. Before they poured in 40 points in the third quarter to put the game to bed early.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have been in great form as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall. They will be aiming for a third straight win after running past the Suns in a 112-98 home win on Sunday. OG Anunoby led the team with 32 points on 13 of 17 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 19 points with 13 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges chipped in with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Knicks shot 54 percent from the field and 12 of 28 from the 3-point line as they held the Suns to just 43 points in the first half to take the early lead into halftime. Before the Knicks poured in 34 points in the third quarter to push the lead out to 19 points at one stage. It wasn’t all smooth sailing as the Suns rallied to cut the lead to just five points, but the Knicks did just enough down the stretch to pull and win comfortably at home.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won each of their last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in five of their last six games.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 11 games as road favorites against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won 22 of their last 23 games against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.
- The Knicks have lost each of their last nine games as home underdogs.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Knicks’ last seven games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as home underdogs following a win.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (41.9).
- The Knicks rank 29th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.9).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.6).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for turnovers per game this season (11.8).
Knicks vs Celtics Prediction
The Celtics are still keeping eyes on Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, who are all questionable, while the Knicks are expecting to have a full squad once again. The Celtics are dealing with a list of injuries at the moment, but so far, that hasn’t stopped them from piling on the wins on a nightly basis. However, the Knicks are coming into this meeting with plenty of momentum themselves, and I think they can pull off the minor upset at home against a depleted Celtics squad. You could make an argument for either side, but the Knicks are heating up at the right time, and I think they can get the statement win at home in this one.
