Celtics vs. Knicks Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA on TNT, Tuesday 4/8

The NBA season is heating up, and tonight’s TNT matchup between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden promises to be a thrilling Eastern Conference showdown.
With playoff seeding on the line, both teams are looking to make a statement in this high-stakes game.
Celtics vs. Knicks Predictions for Tonight NBA on TNT, 4/8
The Celtics, reigning champions, are aiming to maintain their dominance, while the Knicks are hungry to prove they can hang with the league’s elite.
Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, Celtics vs. Knicks predictions, injury reports, and how to get in on the action with a top sportsbook.
Boston Celtics: Chasing Back-to-Back Titles
The Celtics are riding high after raising their 18th championship banner last season, and they’ve carried that momentum into 2024-25. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston boasts one of the league’s most balanced rosters, ranking among the top teams in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Coach Joe Mazzulla has kept the core intact, with veterans like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White providing stability. Tonight, the Celtics aim to exploit their perimeter shooting and defensive versatility against a Knicks team that’s been tough at home. A win here would solidify Boston’s position as the team to beat in the East, with a win over the possible second round opponent.
New York Knicks: Building a Contender
The Knicks have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, blending grit with newfound star power. Jalen Brunson’s All-NBA caliber play has elevated New York’s offense, while the additions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns have given them a dynamic edge.
Under Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks thrive on defense and rebounding, but their ability to stretch the floor with Towns has opened new possibilities. Coming off a strong stretch, including a recent win over Phoenix, New York is looking to upset Boston at home and send a message that they’re ready to challenge for the conference crown.
Celtics vs. Knicks Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Here’s a look at the latest Celtics vs. Knicks odds for tonight’s game (subject to change):
- Moneyline: Celtics -112 | Knicks -104
- Spread: Celtics -1 (-112) | Knicks +1 (-108)
- Total (Over/Under): 221.0 (-110)
- Player Props: Jayson Tatum O/U 25.5 points, Jalen Brunson O/U 24.5 points, Karl-Anthony Towns O/U 11.5 rebounds
The Celtics are slight favorites on the road, reflecting their championship pedigree, but the Knicks’ home-court energy keeps this line tight. The total suggests a competitive, mid-scoring game, as both teams boast top-tier defenses.
Celtics vs. Knicks Best Bet: Boston Win Margin 1-10 (+220 on FanDuel)
The Boston Celtics come in as slight favorites in tonight’s game, and instead of taking a spread at -1, a winning margin of 1-10 is suggested for our Celtics vs. Knicks picks. The line is calling for a close game, but with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis all listed as questionable, it is a risk. And at Over 2:1 odds, it's a risk we are willing to take.
Boston has won 17 of their last 19 matches, and there is little doubt they will win this match. If the concern is winning by more than ten points simply take the 10+ with a hedge. Its odds are set at +220 at FanDuel, and as long as Boston wins, a plus odds profit is guaranteed. They are playing the best basketball in the Association, expect them to play like it again tonight, and win at MSG for Celtics vs. Knicks predictions today.
Celtics vs. Knicks Injury Report & Starting Lineup
- Celtics Injury Report: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis (questionable), Jrue Holiday and Derrick White (probable), Al Horford (out)
- Knicks Injury Report: Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride (questionable)
- Celtics Projected Lineup: Jrue Holiday (PG), Derrick White (SG), Jaylen Brown (SF), Jayson Tatum (PF), Kristaps Porzingis (C)
- Knicks Projected Lineup: Jalen Brunson (PG), Mikal Bridges (SG), Josh Hart (SF), OG Anunoby (PF), Karl-Anthony Towns (C)
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Whether you’re backing the Knicks to cover at home or riding with the Celtics’ championship experience, tonight’s Celtics vs. Knicks predictions will be a must-watch. Use FanDuel’s bonus to boost your bankroll and enjoy the action on TNT! Always gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ivica Zubac had a productive outing, finishing with 27 points (11-of-15 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, one assist and two blocks in the Game 5 loss to the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Zubac continued to score the ball well, finishing with a series-high in points on efficient shooting. However, Zubac’s usual impact on the glass was absent as he secured just five rebounds in Game 5 after tallying at least nine in the previous four, with his one assist also tying his lowest output of the series. Down in the series 3-2, the Clippers head back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Thursday, where they face a must-win situation to keep their season alive.
James Harden concluded Tuesday’s Game 5 loss to the Nuggets with 11 points (3-of-9 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), eight rebounds, five assists and two steals in 35 minutes.
Harden had a quiet night on Tuesday, barely cracking double figures in scoring and failing to register double-digit shot attempts. The 2018 NBA MVP has faced a stifling Nuggets defense that, over the last few games, has forced the ball out of his hands, leading to inferior performances compared to earlier games in the series. Harden will look for a bounce-back performance on Thursday as he tries to lead the Clippers to a season-saving victory in Game 6.
Kawhi Leonard stuffed the stat sheet in Tuesday’s Game 5 loss to the Nuggets, posting 20 points (8-of-15 FGs, 3-of-7 FTs), nine rebounds, 11 assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer.
Leonard did a little bit of everything for the Clippers in Game 5. The two-time NBA Finals MVP posted a series-high in assists and also hit the glass hard, resulting in a near-triple-double. Leonard has scored at least 20 points in all five games of this series. However, the Clippers may need even more from him going forward as they look to extend their season beyond Thursday’s Game 6 at the Intuit Dome.
Nikola Jokic earned a triple-double in the Nuggets’ Game 5 win on Tuesday over the Clippers, finishing with 13 points (4-of-13 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), 10 rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer.
The three-time NBA MVP had a relatively quiet game by his standards, but still came away with his third triple-double of the series. Jokic struggled with shooting efficiency, and his scoring output was the lowest of the series. Yet, his points were not as necessary in this game, given how well the rest of the Nuggets shot the ball. Nevertheless, Jokic will be in line for another big performance on Thursday when the Nuggets face the Clippers in Game 6.
Russell Westbrook came off the bench and produced 21 points (8-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), one rebound, one assist and three three-pointers in the Nuggets’ Game 5 win over the Clippers on Tuesday.
Westbrook was electric in his first game back in the lineup following a foot injury that kept him out of Game 4. His second-quarter scoring ignited the crowd and helped set the table for what would be his highest-scoring game of the postseason. The 2017 NBA MVP has had himself a nice series thus far from a scoring standpoint and will have a chance to end his former team’s season on Thursday in Game 6.
Jamal Murray had a dominant Game 5 performance in the Nuggets’ win over the Clippers on Tuesday, tallying 43 points (17-of-26 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, one block and eight three-pointers.
Fresh off a series-low 13 points in Game 4, Murray exploded for a series-high on Tuesday. He totaled nearly as many three-pointers in this game as he had in the previous four combined, while still managing to dish out seven assists. Murray got hot early in this one and never cooled off, and now has provided his Nuggets the opportunity on Thursday in Game 6 to eliminate the Clippers for the second time in the last five seasons.