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Celtics vs. Knicks prediction: New York favored to win Thursday's NBA matchup [4/9/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks predictions for NBA Thursday.
The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics will lock horns in NBA action at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, with tipoff at 7:30 PM ET.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury updates, Dimers' proven NBA model projects the Knicks as the most likely winner of the Celtics vs. Knicks game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Knicks lineup will feature players like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, while the Celtics will rely on Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Celtics vs. Knicks prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using trusted machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NBA matchup between the Celtics and Knicks, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Knicks a 68% chance of defeating the Celtics. Our predicted final score has the Knicks winning 111-106.
According to our model, the Knicks (-4.5) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 216.5 points has a 53% chance of going over.
Celtics vs. Knicks odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Celtics | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +4.5 (-106) | -4.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +155 | -180 |
| Total | o216.5 (-110) | u216.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Celtics vs. Knicks picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Knicks -4.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Knicks | -180 |
| Total | Over 216.5 | -110 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Knicks to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Celtics vs. Knicks player props
NBA player props are a common way to wager on Thursday's Boston vs. New York game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Madison Square Garden.
Jaylen Brown is expected to lead the Celtics with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Jalen Brunson is projected to have 25 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists for the Knicks.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Celtics prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Celtics are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 30 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 52 |
| Jayson Tatum | 26 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 53 |
| P. Pritchard | 16 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 32 |
| Derrick White | 15 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 35 |
| Neemias Queta | 10 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 27 |
Knicks prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Knicks:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 25 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 45 |
| K. Towns | 18 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| OG Anunoby | 17 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 32 |
| Mikal Bridges | 13 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 26 |
| Josh Hart | 11 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 30 |
Celtics vs. Knicks game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's matchup between the Knicks and Celtics at Madison Square Garden is scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM ET.
- Who: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
- Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM ET/4:30PM PT
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
Conclusion
We predict the Knicks, with a 68% win probability, will likely beat the Celtics in Thursday's NBA matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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