Will the Knicks finally beat a top-tier team?
The New York Knicks (37-19) started the weekend with a surprisingly difficult overtime win in Chicago and a blowout loss in Cleveland. Now they will round out their weekend with an early game in Boston to face the Celtics (40-16). The reigning NBA Champs have already whupped the Knickerbockers twice this season, 132-109 and 131-104. What’s your confidence level in the Knicks turning the tide today?
When they last met, on Feb 9, 2025, the Beantown Bums were rotten houseguests, topping the Knicks 131-104 at Madison Square Garden. Jayson Tatum scored 40 points, including 19 in the third quarter. Payton Pritchard added 25 points off the bench. Luke Kornet, starting for injured Kristaps Porzingis, posted 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
The Celtics are on a four-game win streak and have won eight of their last 10. Their front line remains the same, still led by that dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum (27 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.6 APG) and Jaylen Brown (22.9 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.8 APG). Accompanying them in the starting lineup will be Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Their injury report lists Xavier Tillman, Sr. as day-to-day (knee). For the Knicks, Josh Hart remains day-to-day (knee) and Mitchell Robinson is out (ankle).
Prediction
ESPN.com give the Knicks a 32% chance in this one. If Josh Hart is able to play, the Knicks might have the talent and pride to keep this game close—or at least mount a late game rally to give us hope. Interesting word, hope; it’s sort of an immature sibling to faith. With the Knicks playing so poorly against the league’s top-tier teams, our faith is in short supply, and our hope is at best irrational. While we would love for New York to shock us with a win, the realist calls today’s game for the Celts.
Game Details
Teams: New York Knicks at Boston
Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 1 PM ET
Broadcast: ABC and ESPN2
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky