Knicks Edge Celtics in Competitive Showdown
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Madison Square Garden
New York Knicks 112, Boston Celtics 106, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks?
New York Knicks beat Boston Celtics 112-106 at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics with a final score of 112-106. This victory not only showcased the Knicks' resilience but also marked their dominance in the season series, as they now lead 3-1 against the Celtics. The matchup was significant, given the playoff implications and the historical rivalry between these two franchises.
Both teams entered the game with strong recent form. The Knicks, boasting a home record of 52-28, had won their last three games, scoring an average of 116.6 points while allowing 108.7 points in their last ten outings. Their recent victories included a notable win against the Chicago Bulls, where they triumphed 136-96, and a close-fought 108-105 win against the Atlanta Hawks. In contrast, the Celtics, with an away record of 54-26, were also in impressive shape, winning their last four games and averaging 116.1 points scored while allowing 106.9 points in their last ten games. Their recent performances included a decisive 133-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and a 147-129 win against the Miami Heat.
At home, the Knicks had a perfect record of 4-0 in their last four games, while the Celtics had a strong away record of 4-1. This game was pivotal for both teams as they aimed to solidify their playoff positions. The Knicks' ability to perform well at home added an extra layer of pressure on the Celtics, who were looking to maintain their momentum.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Knicks had previously faced the Celtics multiple times this season, with the Knicks winning three of the four encounters. Their last meeting resulted in a 111-89 victory for the Knicks, further highlighting their competitive edge in this series. The history of these matchups has often been characterized by close scores and intense play, making this game a must-watch for fans.
Injury concerns were present for both teams. The Knicks had two players listed as day-to-day: Mohamed Diawara, dealing with a finger issue, and Jalen Brunson, who was managing a wrist injury. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum was also day-to-day with a knee problem. The status of these key players added an element of uncertainty leading up to the game, as their contributions could significantly impact the outcome.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings setting the odds with the Knicks favored by 3.5 points. The total for the game was set at 210.5, indicating expectations for a relatively low-scoring affair compared to typical NBA games. The moneyline odds favored the Knicks at -162, while the Celtics were listed at +136, suggesting a close contest.
As the game unfolded, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, with fans rallying behind the Knicks. Key moments in the fourth quarter included crucial scoring plays that kept the game within reach for both teams. Notably, Jalen Brunson hit a critical 16-foot step-back jumper to give the Knicks a late lead. Josh Hart also made significant contributions, including a three-pointer that pushed the Knicks ahead in the closing moments.
The Knicks' ability to execute under pressure was evident as they maintained their composure in the final minutes, ultimately sealing the victory with a series of key plays. The Celtics fought hard, with Nikola Vucevic and Baylor Scheierman contributing important baskets, but they fell short in the end.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Knicks proving their mettle at home and the Celtics showcasing their resilience. The victory not only boosts the Knicks' confidence but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the regular season as both teams eye playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -3.5 | 210.5 o -115 / u -105 | Boston Celtics +136 · New York Knicks -162 |
Injury report
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsJosh Hart26New York Knicks
- AssistsJalen Brunson10New York Knicks
- ReboundsKarl-Anthony Towns12New York Knicks
- PointsJayson Tatum24Boston Celtics
- AssistsJayson Tatum8Boston Celtics
- ReboundsJayson Tatum13Boston Celtics
Recent form
New York Knicks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3116.6 scored · 108.7 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W108-105at Atlanta HawksApr 6
- W136-96vs Chicago BullsApr 3
- W130-119at Memphis GrizzliesApr 2
- L94-111at Houston RocketsApr 1
- L100-111at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 29
- L103-114at Charlotte HornetsMar 26
- W121-116vs New Orleans PelicansMar 24
- W145-113vs Washington WizardsMar 22
- W93-92at Brooklyn NetsMar 20
- W136-110vs Indiana PacersMar 17
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 8-2Streak W4116.1 scored · 106.9 allowed per game4-1 away
- W113-102vs Charlotte HornetsApr 8
- W115-101vs Toronto RaptorsApr 5
- W133-101at Milwaukee BucksApr 4
- W147-129at Miami HeatApr 1
- L102-112at Atlanta HawksMar 30
- W114-99at Charlotte HornetsMar 29
- W109-102vs Atlanta HawksMar 27
- W119-109vs Oklahoma City ThunderMar 25
- L92-102vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 23
- W117-112at Memphis GrizzliesMar 21
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Celtics | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 38-84 | 43-80 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 16-43 | 15-35 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 43 |
| Free throws | 14-16 | 11-15 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 25 |
| Assists | 23 | 29 |
| Steals | 4 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 46 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 38 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter59-72Karl-Anthony Towns makes 1-foot two point shot (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-72Jayson Tatum makes 23-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-72Nikola Vucevic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-72Jayson Tatum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-72Payton Pritchard makes 26-foot running jump shot (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-74Mitchell Robinson makes alley oop dunk (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-76Jalen Brunson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter72-76Baylor Scheierman makes 25-foot running jump shot (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-76Nikola Vucevic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sam Hauser assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-76Payton Pritchard makes 26-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter78-78Jalen Brunson makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter80-78Payton Pritchard makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter80-79Mitchell Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-79Baylor Scheierman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-81Jalen Brunson makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-83Jordan Clarkson makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter86-83Baylor Scheierman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter89-83Jayson Tatum makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nikola Vucevic assists)
- 4th Quarter89-85Jordan Clarkson makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-85Jayson Tatum makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-85Jayson Tatum makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter92-87Jordan Clarkson makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-90Josh Hart makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter92-92Josh Hart makes running layup (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter94-92Derrick White makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Neemias Queta assists)
- 4th Quarter94-94Josh Hart makes 1-foot layup (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter96-94Neemias Queta makes 13-foot floating jump shot (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter96-96Karl-Anthony Towns makes dunk (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter98-96Baylor Scheierman makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter98-99Karl-Anthony Towns makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter101-99Baylor Scheierman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter101-100Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-101Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-103Jalen Brunson makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter104-103Baylor Scheierman makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Neemias Queta assists)
- 4th Quarter104-105Josh Hart makes layup (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter104-106Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-109Josh Hart makes 26-foot three pointer (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter106-109Nikola Vucevic makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter106-112Josh Hart makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Brunson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Knicks, below favours Boston Celtics.
Venue
- Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
- Attendance19812
- OfficialsMark Lindsay, Marc Davis, CJ Washington
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