The Boston Celtics (34-18, 2nd in East) will take the floor Sunday afternoon at TD Garden for their final game before the All-Star break — a crucial Eastern Conference clash against the New York Knicks (33-19, 3rd in East) at 12:30 p.m. ET.
This matchup carries extra weight: a Celtics win would extend their current winning streak to six games, widen the gap over New York to two games in the standings, and send Boston (and the city) into Super Bowl Sunday riding high. A Knicks victory would tie the teams and shift momentum heading into the second half.
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Injury Report & Availability
Celtics:
- Sam Hauser (low back spasm) — Questionable. Hauser has been a key floor-spacer lately (~30 MPG in February). If he sits, expect Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and Hugo Gonzalez to absorb extra wing minutes.
- Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair) — Out (season-long recovery).
Knicks:
- Miles McBride (core muscle surgery) — Out (likely sidelined until playoffs).
- Josh Hart (ankle) — Questionable
- OG Anunoby (toe) — Questionable
- Karl-Anthony Towns (eye laceration) — Questionable
- José Alvarado (newly acquired) — Expected to make Knicks debut, bringing defensive intensity and full-court pressure.
New York could be shorthanded, but they’ll be motivated after a recent blowout loss to Detroit and eager to prove they belong in the top tier.
What’s at Stake
- Standings impact — Boston currently holds a one-game lead over New York for the No. 2 seed. A win pushes the gap to two games and reinforces their status as one of the East’s elite teams.
- Momentum before Super Bowl Sunday — Tip-off is at 12:30 p.m. ET, hours before the New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. A Celtics victory would give Boston fans a double dose of celebration — first at TD Garden, then cheering for the Pats’ first Lombardi in nearly two decades (with rookie sensation Drake Maye leading the way).
- Playoff preview? — If the standings hold, these teams could meet again in the second round. Sunday offers an early look at what that series might look like.
Celtics’ Recent Surge
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Boston has won five straight (seven of last eight), including Friday’s gritty 98-96 comeback over Miami — erasing a 21-point halftime deficit behind Jaylen Brown (29 points) and Payton Pritchard (24 off the bench). Nikola Vučević made his debut count (11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists), providing exactly the frontcourt stability the team needed.
The Celtics are playing with championship-level composure and depth — even without Tatum. A sixth straight win would be a perfect send-off before the break.
Knicks’ Motivation
New York is coming off a disappointing loss but remains dangerous with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns (if he plays), and a deep, physical roster. They’ll be hungry to prove they can hang with (or beat) the top seed in the East.
Final Word
The Celtics have a golden opportunity to keep rolling, solidify their hold on the No. 2 seed, and give Boston fans the perfect pre-Super Bowl boost. The Knicks won’t go down easily — especially if Hart, Anunoby, and Towns play — but Boston’s depth, home-court energy, and recent momentum make them a strong favorite.
Tip-off: 12:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
Celtics fans — are you feeling confident heading into this one? How big is Hauser’s potential absence? And are you ready to celebrate a win before cheering on the Patriots in Super Bowl LX? Drop your predictions and thoughts below — let’s get this W!