A high-profile Eastern Conference showdown takes center stage in the NBA Thursday night as the Boston Celtics (54-25) visit the New York Knicks (51-28) at Madison Square Garden. With the regular season nearly complete, this matchup features important playoff seeding implications, particularly for Boston, which can officially lock up the No. 2 seed with a win.
While the Knicks still have a mathematical path to climb higher, their primary focus is holding off Cleveland for the No. 3 spot. Boston, meanwhile, has been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 11 of its last 13 games and entering on a four-game streak. New York has been just as steady at home, boasting a 28-9 record at MSG and riding a three-game run of its own.
Adding another layer to this matchup is Jayson Tatum’s return to Madison Square Garden, the same building where he suffered a torn Achilles during last year’s playoffs. Since returning, Boston has gone 13-4 with Tatum back in the lineup, and he’s beginning to regain his rhythm as one of the NBA’s most dangerous players.
Celtics vs. Knicks Game Info
- 📍 Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- 📅 Date: Thursday, April 9
- ⏰ Start Time: 7:30 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: Prime Video
Celtics vs. Knicks Current Odds
The Knicks enter as the home favorite at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, but the Celtics are more than capable of stealing a road win as they look to clinch the No. 2 seed in the East:
- Moneyline: Knicks -220, Celtics +170
- Spread: Knicks -5.5 (-110), Celtics +5.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 212.5 points (-110), Under 212.5 points (-110)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for BOS-NYK
With star power on both sides and playoff positioning at stake, player props are a major focus heading into Thursday night. Below are the top five most-bet player props as tip-off approaches for this Eastern Conference heavyweight matchup:
- Jalen Brunson to Record 20+ Points
- Jayson Tatum to Record 20+ Points
- Karl-Anthony Towns to Record 15+ Points
- Jalen Brunson First Player To Score
- Jalen Brunson to Record 25+ Points
Others will have to step up for Boston, as the Celtics will be without Jaylen Brown while he deals with Achilles tendinitis, so Knicks props are seeing more action since the news broke.
Celtics-Knicks Key Injuries & Availability
Be sure to monitor official injury reports closer to game time, as any availability updates could significantly influence the betting markets and outlook for each team.
Celtics Injury Report
- Derrick White: QUESTIONABLE (knee)
- Neemias Queta: QUESTIONABLE (toe)
- Jaylen Brown: OUT (tendinitis)
Knicks Injury Report
- Tyler Kolek: QUESTIONABLE (oblique)
Check Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for updated odds and player props before placing your wager.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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