Knicks vs Celtics Prediction, Picks, Player Props & Closing Odds
By Sascha Paruk in NBA Basketball
Published:
- The Knicks’ top-five offense and significant rebounding advantage give them a clear statistical edge over the Celtics
- Despite heavy public betting on the over, Boston’s recent trends point toward a low-scoring game
- See the Knicks vs Celtics picks, predictions, player props, and closing odds for Dec. 2nd
The New York Knicks (13-6, 3-5 away, 12-7 ATS, 10-9 O/U) hope to continue their improved play on the road on Tuesday night when they travel to face the Boston Celtics (11-0, 6-4 home, 10-10 ATS, 8-12 O/U) at TD Garden at 8:00 pm ET with national coverage on NBC/Peacock.
The Knicks/Celtics odds are a virtual pick’em with some books listing New York as a slim road favorite and others giving the Celtics the edge at home. The analysis below breaks down the crucial statistics, betting odds, player props, and culminates with my top Knicks vs Celtics picks.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Odds
The betting market for this Atlantic Division showdown has undergone significant movement, evolving from a clear Knicks advantage to a virtual pick’em. The best moneyline for both teams is now -105 (Knicks at BetMGM, Celtics at Caesars).
Both teams can also be found at +1.5 (-120) against the spread (Knicks at at BetMGM; Celtics at DraftKings).
The game total ranges from 230.5 to 231.5. Over bettors should take 230.5 (-110) at bet365, while under bettors should take 231.5 (-115) at BetMGM.
Odds commentary as of 4:12 pm ET. The lines in the table will update automatically with the best-available price for each market if the NBA odds move before tip-off.
NYK vs BOS Player Props
The Knicks/Celtics player props list Jaylen Brown (28.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG) with a game-high point total of 28.5 O/U. Jalen Brunson (28.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.2 APG) has the highest number on the New York side at 25.5 O/U.
Karl-Anthony Towns (21.7 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.3 APG) is the only player with a double-digit rebounding prop (10.5 O/U).
Knicks vs Celtics Prediction & Expert Picks
- Moneyline Pick: New York Knicks (-105) at BetMGM
While both teams enter on fire against the spread – each posting identical 4-1 ATS records over their last five games – the underlying context tells a more complete story. The Knicks aren’t just covering spreads; they’re winning outright, boasting a 4-1 straight-up record in their last five contests and an impressive 3-1 mark in their last four away games, a marked improvement since their 0-4 SU start on the road.
After New York opened as -130 moneyline favorites, money has poured in on the Celtics, pushing the game to essentially a pick’em. This overcorrection creates value on the Knicks. Given the razor-thin differential, bypassing the points and taking the superior moneyline value represents the sharpest play available.
- Game-Total Pick: Under 231.5 (-115) at BetMGM
For the total, multiple indicators point toward a grittier, more defensive affair than the 230.5 number suggests. The over has hit in just three of Boston’s last ten games. Following wins, the over has hit in only one of the Celtics’ last four, suggesting they tend to tighten up defensively after victories.
While New York possesses the offensive firepower to push the tempo, Boston’s defensive identity should prevent this from becoming a fast-paced shootout. The Celtics play at the single slowest pace in the NBA (96.48), preferring to control possessions and force contested shots in the halfcourt.
creator, leading to an underwhelming performance from their remaining star.
Team Statistics: Knicks vs Celtics
The statistical breakdown shows New York’s advantages. The Knicks rank fifth in both Offensive Rating and scoring, powered by Jalen Brunson’s dynamic playmaking (26.1 PPG at home). This contrasts sharply with a Celtics offense that ranks just 17th in PPG and 19th in O-Rating.
The most pronounced mismatch appears on the glass, where New York’s fourth-ranked rebounding percentage dwarfs Boston (15th). This dominance translates directly into additional possessions, with the Knicks ranking sixth in second-chance points. Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart’s presence on the boards gives New York a significant edge in controlling extra opportunities.
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Managing Editor
Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.