The Atlantic Division rivalry gets renewed Tuesday night as the New York Knicks head to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics in what promises to be a captivating Eastern Conference showdown.
Knicks vs Celtics Betting Picks and Predictions
The Knicks are riding high after piecing together a four-game win streak, the latest of which came as a 116-94 triumph over Toronto. Meanwhile, the Celtics have momentum of their own, winning three of their last four -- including a 117-115 victory over the Cavaliers.
New players looking to take action on Knicks vs Celtics can score the BetMGM bonus code to win $150 in bonus bets or claim a $1,500 First Bet Offer, depending on their location.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Betting Odds
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: NBC/Peacock
- Moneyline: Celtics -112 | Knicks -108
- Spread: Celtics +1.5 (-120) | Knicks -1.5 (+100)
- Total: Over/Under 230.5 (Over -110 | Under -110)
Betting odds courtesy of DraftKings.
Despite playing at home, Boston is only a slight moneyline favorite at -112. More telling is the point spread, which actually favors the visiting Knicks at -1.5.
How the Knicks and Celtics Stack Up Statistically
This matchup features two high-octane offenses with distinctly different strengths. The Knicks bring serious firepower, averaging an impressive 120.4 points per game compared to Boston's 114.9 PPG. Both teams love launching from deep, each connecting on 15.3 threes per contest, but New York holds the edge in accuracy at 37.1% versus the Celtics' 35.6%.
Where this game could be won or lost is on the glass. The Knicks absolutely dominate the boards, crashing for 14.2 offensive rebounds per game and converting those into a substantial 17.8 second-chance points. Their overall rebound rate of 53.2% is elite territory. Boston sits at a respectable 50.0% rebound rate, but keeping New York off the offensive glass will be crucial without Tatum's help.
Defensively, the numbers are tight. Boston allows 110.9 points per game compared to New York's 112.9 PPG, but the Knicks boast a superior net rating of +7.6 versus the Celtics' +4.7. The turnover battle looms large, as New York excels at converting steals into easy baskets, generating 19.3 points off turnovers by forcing 15.4 takeaways per game.
Battle for Atlantic Division Supremacy: Prediction and Best Picks
This matchup has transformed from a tough road test for New York into a legitimate opportunity to steal one in Boston. While Jaylen Brown is absolutely capable of big nights, the Knicks possess specific advantages that should prove decisive.
The rebounding battle will determine this game's outcome. New York's relentless pursuit of offensive boards should wear down a Celtics team that already struggles to keep opponents off the glass. The Knicks' 17.8 second-chance points per game are among the NBA's highest for good reason – they create extra possessions at an elite level. Against a Boston squad missing its best rebounder and overall player, this edge becomes magnified.
First-time users can claim the DraftKings promo code to bet $5 on Knicks vs Celtics and get $200 in bonus bets (if they win).
Best Bet: Knicks -1.5 (+100)
Getting even money on New York to win by two or more points represents excellent value. The Celtics simply lack the personnel to match the Knicks' physicality and depth without Tatum. Boston's offensive burden falls entirely on Brown's shoulders, while New York can deploy multiple scoring threats around Brunson. The rebounding mismatch alone should generate enough extra possessions to cover the small spread.
Player Prop Focus: Mitchell Robinson Over Rebounds
Robinson anchors the league's most dominant rebounding attack, and this matchup sets up perfectly for him to feast. With Tatum sidelined, Boston loses significant rebounding help, making them even more vulnerable on the defensive glass. The Knicks' 53.2% rebound rate should translate into plenty of opportunities for Robinson to exceed his total in a game where his specialty will be on full display.