New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 02/08/26

A total of 80 points scored and the Pistons leading by 43 points at one point, that’s the summary of the Knicks loss to Detroit on Thursday. The win streak was stopped at 8 games in a row, Jalen Brunson and co. will try to start a new one on Super Bowl Sunday as they head to TD Garden for a date with the Celtics. Can a team respond after such a devastating defeat is the main question ahead of this game. In 24 games this season New York has just 11 wins in away games, their form at Boston hasn’t been great with them covering the spread just 3 times in 9 visits.

With just a game separating these two teams, you wouldn’t be wrong in saying the 2nd seed in the East is on the line in Sunday’s game. The Celtics have the edge going into the game, unlike the Knicks their win streak is still alive and well at 5 games in a row. They’ve been doing it defensively, allowing under 100 points in 4 of the 5 wins. The performance against Miami on Thursday was a particular highlight given the Heat’s tendencies to play a fast tempo and score a bunch of points. This Celtics  team has exceeded expectations greatly without Jayson Tatum, aside from him only Sam Hauser finds himself on the injury report, but he too is a game time decision only with a minor back issue.

It is concerning if you’re a Knicks fan that your team has lost twice against Detroit by 30+ points. Playing the Cs on the road could also be problematic, especially since we see Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, KAT and Miles McBride all potentially missing this game. Boston is the more consistent shooting team right now, if the three-ball starts falling early it’s a wrap for the Knicks. I’ll give Boston the edge here.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Predictions: Celtics -4 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.