Overview
- The Celtics will host the Knicks at TD Garden at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 23, with Boston listed as a 2.5-point home favorite and the over/under at 223.5.
- SportsLine's model, reported by CBS Sports, projects Boston to cover in the majority of simulations and highlights bets such as Celtics -2.5 and Josh Hart over 7.5 rebounds.
- Both clubs enter the game 0-1 after opening-night losses, with the Knicks arriving as the reigning NBA champions and the Celtics showing a retooled roster.
- Player storylines are front and center as Jalen Brunson praised Boston's influence on New York's construction and Mitchell Robinson faces his former team after signing with the Celtics and skipping the Knicks' ring ceremony.
- Key things to watch include Boston's response after allowing a 23-0 fourth-quarter run in its opener, Paul George's scoring role after a 38-point debut, and how New York's returning championship rotation defends against Boston's new-look lineup.