The Boston Celtics open their home season against the reigning NBA champions.
Both sides lost their opening games of the league campaign, to Detroit and Philadelphia respectively.
The Knicks were unable to celebrate the third title in their history with a win, falling by a narrow 100-106.
For their part, the Celtics fell apart in the second half, eventually losing to Cunningham’s Pistons 121-113.
Jayson Tatum should step up after a grim 6/23 from the field in his first regular-season game.
Knicks vs Celtics date and time
Date: 23 October 2026.
Time: These are the start times for Knicks vs Celtics by time zone.
| The UK | 00:00 |
| Dominican Republic, USA (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela | 18:00 |
| Mexico (central), USA (Texas and Chicago), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua | 16:00 |
| Mexico (Pacific) and USA (Los Angeles) | 16:00 |
| Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay | 19:00 |
| Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama | 18:00 |
Venue: TD Garden, Boston.
Knicks vs Celtics starting lineups
Both sides will field their usual starting fives, with Mitchell Robinson facing his former teammates.
| Knicks | Celtics |
| Jalen Brunson | Derrick White |
| Mikal Bridges | Payton Pritchard |
| Josh Hart | Paul George |
| OG Anunoby | Jayson Tatum |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Mitchell Robinson |
Knicks vs Celtics: best bet
Logic points to an evenly matched game between two teams that know each other inside out and have the same core as last season (apart from George-Robinson).
Still, we’ll make the Knicks the favourites, seeking their first win of the season after losing their opener to Philadelphia.
The truth is New Yorkers didn’t play well against Nick Nurse’s side. KAT was hampered by foul trouble; however, he was the only one who responded in the closing stretch.
More is expected from Brunson, and above all, more accuracy from Tatum.
Knicks latest: injuries and form
Mike Brown’s side will have their full squad available for this second game of the new season against Joe Mazzulla’s team.
Player to watch: Jalen Brunson
The Knicks need more from Jalen Brunson. And Brunson also needs more from the Knicks.
The truth is they didn’t play well in their league opener. Nor did the captain, especially in the closing stretch. He managed just 1 of 5 attempts in the final period.
He finished with 21 points and 5 rebounds on 6/19 from the field.
Celtics latest: injuries and form
At home, the only confirmed absence will be Devin Carter, who has mononucleosis.
The two-way player is fighting for his future with the Celtics after leaving the Kings through the back door this past summer.
Player to watch: Jayson Tatum
Just like the Celtics, Jayson Tatum ultimately sank in the defeat to Detroit by 121-113.
The star was shut out near the rim, managing just 6/23 from the field. He finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists to his name.
Knicks vs Celtics: head-to-head history
Last season the Knicks closed the regular season with a favourable 3-1 record against Mazzulla’s Celtics.
- 25 October: New York win by 105-95 with 31 points from Brunson.
- 3 December: Boston win by 123-117 with 35 points from Bridges.
- 8 February: New York win by 111-89 with 31 points from Brunson.
- 10 April: New York win by 112-106 with 29 points from Brunson.
Knicks vs Celtics predictions
- Jalen Brunson as the game’s top scorer with 30+ points.
- Double-double for Jayson Tatum.
- Double-double for Mitchell Robinson against his former team.
- At least 3 three-pointers made for OG Anunoby.
Where to watch Knicks vs Celtics
The game between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics can be watched in the UK through a NBA League Pass subscription and Amazon Prime.