On February 23, 2025, the Boston Celtics will take on the New York Knicks at TD Garden, marking the third and highly anticipated meeting between these fierce rivals this NBA season. With tip-off scheduled for 3 PM (Brasília time), both teams come to the clash with much at stake and some notable absences. Historically, the Celtics have the upper hand, accumulating 306 wins against the Knicks’ 190 across 496 regular-season encounters.
This season, the Celtics have dominated this rivalry, already winning both matchups decisively—132 to 109 at home on October 22, and 131 to 104 on February 2 during their visit to New York. Their recent performance has placed them firmly within the top two of the Eastern Conference, boasting a record of 40 wins and 16 losses, thanks to the standout contributions from stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Fans are eager to see how Tatum, who recently scored 40 points against the Knicks, will perform under the pressure of their home crowd. With the Celtics presenting both strong offensive and defensive statistics, they are currently averaging 119.9 points per game and allowing 110.4, placing them among the top teams league-wide.
Meanwhile, the Knicks face challenges as they enter the contest without key players. OG Anunoby, sidelined with an ankle issue, is considered pivotal for New York’s defense, especially against the likes of Tatum and Brown. Despite averaging 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game prior to his injury, Anunoby's absence is likely to leave the Knicks vulnerable.
Adding to New York's woes, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. will also not take the court due to injuries, and Josh Hart is listed as questionable after missing the last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coach Tom Thibodeau is aware of the difficulties facing his squad, particularly after recent humiliations including their last game where they lost to Cleveland 142 to 105. The Knicks must cope with the pressure of needing to improve their record against top teams, as they currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with 37 wins and 19 losses.
Despite these setbacks, the Knicks are hopeful for strong performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to push back against Boston's power. With Brunson facilitating the offense and Towns bringing his scoring ability, the Knicks will aim to mount their best offensive output without their key defensive anchor present.
The game promises intense competition, and both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths. While the Celtics appear to have the upper hand based on their historical performance and recent form, the unpredictable nature of basketball means the Knicks could spring an upset if they manage to find their rhythm and exploit any weaknesses the Celtics might show.
Fans eager to witness this epic clash can tune in on ESPN or stream through Disney+ and other services. With the stakes high, every play will matter as the Celtics and Knicks vie for position and pride on the hardwood.