October 22, 2026 at 5:53 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Celtics Look to Fix Late-Game Lapses Against Ring-Night-Scarred Knicks

By How we produce articles

Both teams are 0-1, but Boston's home court and New York's thin frontcourt tilt a close game toward the Celtics.

Neither team arrives in good shape. The Knicks, who ended a 53-year title drought against the Spurs last season, had their ring-night opener spoiled by a 106-100 loss to the 76ers. Now they are on short rest, and the title-defense target is already visible.

Boston has its own cleanup work. The Celtics lost 121-113 to Detroit after blowing a 22-point lead, with the late defense faltering. Jayson Tatum had a rough night, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting. The roster around him has also changed, since Jaylen Brown went to Philadelphia in the trade that brought Paul George to Boston. George scored 38 in his debut, which suggests Tatum has real scoring help even when his shot isn't falling.

The clearest matchup edge is in New York's frontcourt. Drew Eubanks (pectoral) and N'Faly Dante (knee) are both listed out, leaving the Knicks thin at center. That should give Boston chances to attack the paint and win possessions, especially if the Celtics defend with more discipline over the final quarter than they did against Detroit.

New York should still compete. A defending champion with a loss on its record usually answers with urgency, and the Knicks only lost by six to Philadelphia. But short rest and a depleted center rotation make it harder to sustain that effort for 48 minutes on the road.

Expect a tense, competitive game with both teams eager for a first win. Tatum should get better looks than he did in the opener, George gives Boston a second reliable scorer, and the Celtics' home-court edge and size advantage should be just enough.

Prediction: Celtics 109, Knicks 104.

All game reports