New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics preview: Prediction, odds and more

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics preview: Prediction, odds and more | 25th October 2023

Modified Oct 25, 2023 11:19 GMT

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks October 25 matchup preview

The opening night of the NBA's 2023-24 season has wrapped up but the excitement of the new season continues as the Boston Celtics take on the New York Knicks on October 25th. The Knicks vs. Celtics are among 12 games that will be played on the day but the Eastern Conference battle between the two should be one of the most anticipated matchups.

The Boston Celtics have retooled their roster by adding a lot of star power by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. However, they did lose a lot of valuable role players, namely Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Grant Williams, and Robert Williams III.

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Meanwhile, the New York Knicks core has remained mostly similar except for the addition of Donte DiVincenzo. The team also acquired DiVincenzo's fellow Villanova alumni Ryan Arcidiacono bringing the total number of players from Villanova on the Knicks roster to four including Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson.

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Both teams were eliminated by the Miami Heat from the playoffs last season. Both are expected to earn a spot in this year's post-season again and their first step begins when they battle each other.

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Game Details

Teams: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Date & Time: October 15, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. ET.

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks preview and prediction

The Celtics had another strong regular season during the 2022-23 campaign and were favorites to make a deep playoff run. They finished second behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference standings with a 57-25 record.

Unfortunately for them, several of their weaknesses were exposed by the Miami Heat and they lost in seven games during the Eastern Conference Finals.

For the New York Knicks, they made the playoffs last season but they were hardly considered a real championship contender. They held the fifth seed coming into the post-season but were eliminated by the Heat in six games in the second round.

Despite being considered as the better team last year, the Celtics lost the regular season series against the Knicks. They went 1-3 in four games, with their only victory coming during their first game.

This year, the Celtics are considered as the better team and are expected to win their matchup. Expect the first game between the two to serve as a feeling-out process for Boston and their new core while the Knicks are expected to try to repeat last season's performances against the Celtics.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks odds

According to DraftKings, the Boston Celtics are slightly favored to win their matchup. They are projected to be a better team on either end due to their star power but the Knicks are expected to put up a fight.

Spread: Celtics (-3) vs. Knicks (+3)

Moneyline: Celtics (-166) vs Knicks (+140)

Over/Under: 224