Knicks vs Celtics NBA Pick: Division Rivals Battle It Out at MSG (Apr 9)

Published Apr 8, 2:18pm ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Apr 8, 2:18pm ET

Pick status
Knicks host the Celtics in a divisional showdown on Thursday night.

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  • The Knicks are 51-28 following a 108-105 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.
  • Meanwhile, Boston improved to 54-25 after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 113-102.
  • These teams previously met on Feb. 8, with the Knicks winning 111-89.

One of the games on Thursday's NBA slate features the New York Knicks hosting the Boston Celtics. Who has the edge in our Knicks vs Celtics pick?

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Overview Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026 @ 7:30 PM ET
New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
Boston Celtics

Knicks aiming for their fourth straight win

New York has won three straight following a three-game losing streak. Their latest triumph was a 108-105 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.

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In this back-and-forth battle, it was only fitting that the game came down to the last possession. Jalen Brunson knocked down a pair of free throws to give New York a three-point lead with 1.2 seconds left in regulation.

CJ McCollum appeared to hit a what would have been a game-tying 3-point basket. However, the replay review concluded that the ball was still in his hands when the game buzzer expired.

Brunson was one of five players in double figures for the Knicks. He scored 30 points and handed out 13 assists. OG Anunoby finished with 22 points and five rebounds.

Boston hopes to extend its win streak to five games

After dropping a 112-102 decision to Atlanta, the Celtics have won four straight. This stretch includes a 113-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.

The Celtics overcame a six-point, first-half deficit to take a three-point lead into the fourth. Then, the home team held Charlotte to just 15 points on its way to clinching its 54th victory of the season.

Jaylen Brown was Boston's top performer, finishing with 35 points and nine rebounds. Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Knicks vs Celtics NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Knicks are 10-3 (SU) in their last 13 games.
  • New York is 2-5 ATS in its previous seven outings.
  • The Celtics are 7-1 (SU) in their last eight contests.
  • Boston is 7-1 ATS in its previous eight matchups.

The Knicks have won six of the previous nine meetings in this series. On the other hand, Boston is 4-1 across its last five road outings. With a chance to clinch the No. 2 seed, look for the Cs to win a close one.

Pick
Boston Celtics
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