The Boston Celtics will play host to the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks at their home arena of TD Garden this coming Friday (Oct. 23) evening. In that contest, the Celtics will be looking to get their first win of the 2026-27 NBA regular season after having dropped their season opener vs. the Detroit Pistons on the road at Little Caesar's Arena.

The Knicks will surprisingly be in a similar state of mind after losing on their own home court of Madison Square Garden (and on their Ring Night of all nights as well) to a determined Philadelphia 76ers squad Boston fans likely do not want to think too much about. We think it likely that the Celtics will start their current campaign in a 0-2 hole given the context, but Boston sneaking up on New York with a motivated Mitchell Robinson is not impossible.

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Celtics have a 0-1 record after their aforementioned loss to the Pistons.

The Knicks are also in a 0-1 hole to begin the season, as noted above.

Player injuries

For Boston, only Devin Carter (illness) is out.

For New York, no players of note were listed.

Probable starting lineups

Boston

• Derrick White

• Jordan Walsh

• Jayson Tatum

• Paul George

• Mitchell Robinson

New York

• OG Anunoby

• Karl-Anthony Towns

• Josh Hart

• Mikal Bridges

• Jalen Brunson

How to watch or stream the game