Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Prediction and Picks for Friday, October 24th, 2025
We have an early-season rivalry matchup on Friday’s NBA slate, as the Boston Celtics (0-1) take on the New York Knicks (1-0) in a conference semifinals rematch from this past summer. We’ve got you covered with our Celtics vs. Knicks prediction. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 ET from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. Read on for free NBA picks on this game, and check out that link for other game breakdowns.
Celtics Drop Opener To 76ers
This Boston Celtics lineup doesn’t appear to be nearly as fierce as the juggernaut rosters that the organization has rolled out in recent seasons. For starters, F Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is out for the entire season, while the front office also decided to move on from veterans Cs Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, as well as G Jrue Holiday. G Anfernee Simons was a return piece in the Holiday trade. Other than that, there are some notable names like guards Derrick White (16.4 PPG in 2024-25) and Payton Pritchard (14.3 PPG), and SF Jaylen Brown (22.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG) slotting into the starting lineup.
The C’s got the season started on Wednesday night against the 76ers, but they took a home loss in a 117-116 affair. Brown and White led the scoring charge with 25 points apiece. As for the team-level metrics, Boston was better in turnovers (9 to 14) and rebounding (42 to 40), while Philadelphia shot better from both the field (45.9% to 45.1%) and from three-point range (40.0% to 25.6%). The Celtics were 5.5-point favorites in the outright home loss.
- Boston averaged 115.0 points per game last season, which was the ninth-most in the Association.
- The Celtics were ranked 19th in field goal rate (46.0%) and eighth in three-point shooting (36.8%) in 2024-25.
- Defensively, they were fourth in efficiency, conceding 108.0 points per 100 possessions.
Knicks Start 1-0, Beat Cavs
Meanwhile, the vibes are high for the New York Knicks, as they’re coming off of that conference finals appearance last season. They toppled the Celtics in the conference semis, but eventually bowed out against the Pacers in the next round. The front office decided to move on from Coach Tom Thibodeau and bring in Coach Mike Brown as a replacement. In terms of personnel, it’s a very similar cast, including Gs Jalen Brunson (26.0 PPG, 7.3 APG in 2024-25) and Mikal Bridges (17.6 PPG) and Fs OG Anunoby (18.0 PPG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (24.4 PPG, 12.8 RPG). It’s worth noting that G Josh Hart (back) is questionable for Friday, while C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is out.
New York got the season started with a win on Wednesday, toppling Cleveland in a 119-111 affair as 1.5-point home underdogs. The aforementioned Anunoby paved the way in scoring, dropping 24 points on a 9-17 (52.9%) shooting night. From the team level, the Knicks dominated the glass (48 to 32) and won the turnover battle (14 to 15), but the Cavs were better in both field goal rate (46.5% to 43.0%) and three-point shooting (41.3% to 35.0%).
- The Knicks scored 114.7 points per game last season, which was the 12th-most in the NBA.
- They logged a field goal rate of 48.0% (sixth), while cashing 36.6% of their triples (12th) last year.
- New York’s defense was mediocre in 2024-25, allowing 111.8 points per 100 possessions (16th).
- Josh Hart (back) is out. Karl-Anthony Towns (qud) is questionable.
Celtics vs. Knicks Pick
Spread Pick for Celtics vs. Knicks
- New York Knicks -5.5 (-110) (5 units)
I’m not surprised to see the Knicks as 5.5-point favorites in this spot, and I’m willing to lay the points here. They are fresh off of a commanding 119-111 victory over a Cavaliers team that was the best in the East last season. Now they’ll take on a short-handed Celtics squad that’s without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) for the season, and frankly, doesn’t have much depth at all.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are running it back with a very similar cast this season. This group has meshed well, and now that they have the edge in overall skill as a roster against the Celtics and a home-court advantage, I think they lay it on the visitors in this one.
Over/Under Pick for Celtics vs. Knicks
- Over 228.5 (-110) (5 units)
I’ll play the over in this game as well. Both teams went over the total in their opening games of the year. While the Celtics may not have the overall talent level to compete with the top-tier teams in the Association right now, they do have some excellent three-point shooters in Derrick White and Payton Prichard, as well as a go-getter in Jaylen Brown.
Speaking of three-pointers, these are two of the highest-volume shooting teams from deep to start the year. Boston is averaging 43.0 three-point attempts (sixth) this season, while New York is at 40.0 (10th). By the sheer volume of triples that’ll go up in this game, I think we’re primed to clear this number. Give me the over.