New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.08.26
New York Knicks
Boston Celtics
Game Spread
Total Points
Tale of the Tape
Key Matchup: Top Scorers
J. Brunson
J. Brown
Detailed Analysis
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.08.26
The Eastern Conference rivalry ignites once more as the New York Knicks (33-19) travel to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics (34-18) on February 8th, 2026, at 12:30 PM. This regular-season clash promises high stakes as both teams vie for crucial positioning in the playoff race.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Matchup Preview
New York Knicks Key Stats & Trends
The New York Knicks have carved out a strong record, largely thanks to the stellar play of Jalen Brunson, who spearheads their offense with an impressive 27.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. His overall rating of 27.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG highlights his indispensable role. The addition of Karl-Anthony Towns has bolstered their frontcourt, contributing significantly with 11.9 rebounds per game, providing a much-needed interior presence. However, the Knicks’ recent form has been inconsistent, often dependent on their star power and defensive grit.
Injury Report New York Knicks
- Josh Hart (Day-to-day): Hart (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Celtics. His absence would impact their perimeter defense and energy.
- OG Anunoby (Day-to-day): Anunoby (toe) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Celtics. His elite defense and shooting would be sorely missed.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Day-to-day): Towns (eye) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Celtics. Losing his scoring and rebounding would be a significant blow.
- Miles McBride (Out): McBride will undergo surgery for a core muscle injury and may be sidelined until the playoffs. This depletes their guard depth.
Boston Celtics Key Stats & Trends
The Boston Celtics, despite a significant long-term injury, maintain a formidable record, showcasing their depth and resilience. Jaylen Brown has elevated his game, leading the team with a dominant 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His all-around rating (29.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG) makes him a primary offensive threat. In the paint, Neemias Queta has stepped up admirably, averaging 8.4 rebounds, while Derrick White orchestrates the offense with 5.5 assists per game. The veteran presence of Nikola Vucevic also provides crucial experience and scoring depth.
Injury Report Boston Celtics
- Sam Hauser (Day-to-day): Hauser (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Knicks. His perimeter shooting could be missed.
- Jayson Tatum (Out): The Celtics have not ruled Tatum (Achilles) out for the 2025-26 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. His season-long absence is a massive blow, but the team has adjusted.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Best Bet
This matchup hinges heavily on the injury reports. While the Celtics are without Jayson Tatum for the season, they’ve proven capable of winning behind Jaylen Brown’s leadership and a strong supporting cast including Derrick White and Nikola Vucevic. The Knicks, however, face a more immediate and potentially crippling injury crisis with Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns all questionable. If even two of these key players are sidelined, the Knicks’ offensive and defensive integrity will be severely compromised. Given the Celtics’ home-court advantage and their proven ability to perform despite Tatum’s absence, they are poised to capitalize on New York’s potential roster deficiencies. Therefore, we predict the Boston Celtics -3.5 (Spread). For the total points, both teams feature high-caliber scorers, and if key players like Brunson and Brown are active, the pace should push the score. Even with some injuries, the offensive talent on display suggests enough firepower to surpass the line. Our pick is over 211.5 total points.
Last 5 Games: NY
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ Detroit | L 118-80 | Bridges 19 | Hukporti 7 | Clarkson 5 |
| vs Denver | W 134-127 2OT | Brunson 42 | Towns 12 | Brunson 9 |
| @ Washington | W 132-101 | Bridges 23 | Towns 15 | Hart 7 |
| vs Los Angeles | W 112-100 | Anunoby 25 | Towns 13 | Brunson 13 |
| vs Portland | W 127-97 | Brunson 26 | Towns 20 | Hart 5 |
Last 5 Games: BOS
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Miami | W 98-96 | Brown 29 | Vucevic 12 | White 5 |
| @ Houston | W 114-93 | White 28 | Queta 19 | White 8 |
| @ Dallas | W 110-100 | Brown 33 | Brown 11 | White 8 |
| vs Milwaukee | W 107-79 | Brown 30 | Brown 13 | White 8 |
| vs Sacramento | W 112-93 | Pritchard 29 | Queta 15 | White 9 |
Written by Matt Dorsey
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.
