Game Details:
Matchup: Celtics (15-4) vs. Knicks (12-7)
Date & Time: Monday, December 1, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Betting Line: Celtics -3.5 | Over/Under: 222.0
Key Storylines
Celtics Riding High
Boston enters this matchup fresh off a dominant start to the season, holding the best record in the Eastern Conference. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to form one of the most dynamic duos in the league, with offseason additions Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis rounding out a formidable starting five. Boston’s defense ranks second in Defensive Rating and they’ve held opponents under 110 points in five of their last six games.
Knicks Finding Their Groove
The Knicks have proven to be a gritty and balanced team, led by Jalen Brunson’s playmaking and scoring. Julius Randle has found his rhythm after a slow start, and RJ Barrett is having a career year in efficiency. Defensively, New York ranks in the top five in points allowed per game, which sets up a clash of top-tier defenses tonight. This is also the first meeting this season between these Atlantic Division rivals, adding extra intensity to an already high-stakes showdown.
Injury Report
Celtics:
Out: None
Questionable: None
Knicks:
Out: Mitchell Robinson (ankle)
Questionable: Donte DiVincenzo (knee soreness)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS)
Celtics: 11-8 ATS this season
Knicks: 10-9 ATS this season
Over/Under Trends
The total has gone under in 6 of Boston’s last 8 games
The total has gone under in 5 of New York’s last 7 games
Both teams rank in the top 10 for fewest possessions per game, indicating a slower pace tonight
Player Props to Watch
Jayson Tatum Points Total: 27.5
Tatum scored 30+ in his last two games and tends to step up on big stages like Madison Square Garden. Consider the over.
Jalen Brunson Assists Total: 6.5
With Boston’s switching defense limiting scoring options, Brunson may rack up assists instead of taking high-volume shots. The over could be a solid play here.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Celtics -3.5 → Boston’s defensive flexibility and offensive versatility give them the edge, even on the road.
Total: Under 222.0 → Expect a physical, slower-paced game between two of the league’s best defenses.
Player Prop: Jayson Tatum Over 27.5 points → Tatum has a great track record in marquee matchups and should be the focal point tonight.
The Knicks always bring added energy at home, but Boston’s combination of depth, defense, and clutch scoring makes them tough to beat. Expect a close one, with the Celtics pulling ahead late on efficient half-court execution from Tatum and Holiday.
Final Score Prediction: Celtics 109, Knicks 102
