Knicks vs. Celtics Prediction: NBA Picks & Odds (Oct. 23)
My Knicks vs. Celtics prediction targets an elite Boston defense Friday against a New York offense that appears to be trending downward.
Tipoff from TD Garden in Boston is set for 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video). The Celtics are a 1.5-point betting favorite (with the Over juiced), and the total is set at 224.5. My NBA picks like the Celtics but also expect OG Anunoby to bounce back.
Knicks vs. Celtics picks & odds
See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Celtics -1.5 | -117 via BetRivers | 1.76 units to profit 1.5 units |
| OG Anunoby Over 2.5 made 3-pointers | +142 via FanDuel | 0.7 units to profit 1 unit |
| Paul George Over 17.5 points | -112 via DraftKings | 1.12 units to profit 1 unit |
Picks submitted: Oct. 22 at 3:52 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 3.58 units | Profit if all picks win: 3.5 units
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Knicks vs. Celtics best bet
Celtics -1.5 (-117 via BetRivers)
Both teams lost in their season openers, but I'm actually more impressed with how the Celtics played.
The Knicks scored just 100 points, shooting 35-of-94 (37%) from the field. As of publication, the Knicks rank 25th in offensive rating out of the 28 NBA teams that have played a game.
The Celtics, meanwhile, scored 30 points in multiple quarters. While their defense collapsed in the fourth quarter - they allowed 39 points to the Pistons - we know they will likely be elite defensively again this season. The Celtics ranked fourth in defensive rating last season, and Paul George had a higher defensive rating than Jaylen Brown, so Boston's fourth-quarter meltdown was likely just an outlier.
Play to: -2.5 (-116)
Score prediction: Celtics 114, Knicks 110
Knicks vs. Celtics player props
OG Anunoby Over 2.5 made 3-pointers (+142 via FanDuel)
I expect money to come in on Anunoby's Over closer to tipoff.
He attempted nine 3-pointers on Opening Night, and while he made only one, the signal we're looking for is that he's shooting at a high volume. Anunoby shot 38.6% from beyond the arc last season, so I'm not concerned with his shooting mechanics, as he'll likely shoot over 36% on the season.
The Celtics gave up 40 3-point attempts on Opening Day, and if the Knicks attempt 40 or more Friday, Anunoby has a solid shot at attempting at least seven of them, based on last season's stats.
Play to: Over 1.5 (-219) or Over 2.5 (+134)
Paul George Over 17.5 points (-112 via DraftKings)
There's not much to overthink here. We only have one example of George playing a regular-season game for the Celtics, and he scored 38 points on 21 field-goal attempts.
Granted, he won't be able to keep up that pace over the course of an entire season - plus, there's no way he'll maintain a higher usage rate than Jayson Tatum - but it looks like he'll play a larger role on this team than the market expected before Opening Day.
George replaced Brown in the offseason, and while I don't expect him to get a 28.2% usage rate like Brown did in 2024-25, I believe this line is still too heavily anchored to preseason expectations.
Play to: Over 17.5 (-121) or Over 18.5 (+106)
Live Knicks vs. Celtics odds
Latest Knicks vs. Celtics injuries
How to watch Knicks vs. Celtics
- Date: Friday, Oct. 23
- Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: TD Garden (Boston)
- TV/Streaming: Prime Video
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