Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks 23 October 2026 Prediction

Both teams lost their 2026-27 regular-season openers. Boston gave up a 22-point lead against Detroit, while defending champion New York lost at home to Philadelphia. Which team will get its first win when the Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks meet?

Boston Gives Up a 22-Point Lead

Last season, the Celtics lost a playoff series to the 76ers after falling behind 3-1, a first for the franchise. Their latest opener brought another unwanted first: no NBA team had previously given up a 22-point lead in its first game of the season. Boston lost 121-113 to Detroit after Joe Mazzulla’s team led 72-50 in the third quarter.

Jayson Tatum finished with 13 points, four rebounds and 11 assists against the Pistons, but shot 6-for-23 from the field. Newcomer George scored 38 points, a franchise record for a player making his Celtics debut. Five Boston players scored at least 11 points, including Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, who combined for 28 off the bench.

Boston Celtics Predicted Lineup: White, Walsh, Tatum, George, Robinson

Unavailable: None reported

Manager: Joe Mazzulla

New York Struggles in Its Opener

Before the Knicks’ 106-100 loss to the 76ers, two-time champion Walt Frazier presented championship rings to Jalen Brunson and his teammates. The team also raised banners honoring its title and NBA Cup win at Madison Square Garden. New York then shot just 37% from the field against Philadelphia.

Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points but made only six of 19 shots. Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart combined for 33 points on 11-for-19 shooting, 19 rebounds and four assists. Newcomer Andre Drummond added a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. New York outrebounded Philadelphia 53-45, including 14-6 on the offensive glass, but shot 39% on two-pointers and 70% at the free-throw line.

New York Knicks Predicted Lineup: Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby, Towns

Unavailable: None reported

Manager: Mike Brown

New York Won Three of Four Meetings Last Season

The Knicks won three of their four games against the Celtics last season. The scores were 105-95, 117-123, 111-89 and 112-106.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction: Celtics to Win

Main pick: Boston led for much of its road game against Detroit, which went 32-9 at home last regular season. Tatum also has room to improve after a poor shooting night. New York, by contrast, lost at home to a revamped Philadelphia team. The Knicks went 23-19 on the road in 2025-26 and lost four of five preseason games in October. Boston won four preseason games. Towns recently acknowledged that New York is not yet at its best. The pick is Boston to win at 1.73.

Total pick: New York held Boston to 106 points or fewer in all three of its wins in last season’s matchups. The Knicks also allowed 106 points in their opener against Philadelphia. Consider Boston team total under 112.5 at 1.89.