The 2024-25 NBA season couldn't ask for a more electric start. The Knicks visiting the Celtics at TD Garden on October 22 is more than just another game—it's a clash of two historic franchises, both with their eyes set on a championship. For Boston, it’s a chance to showcase their superiority on the night they’ll hoist the banner for their 18th title, a feat that has made them the favorite to win it all again this season.
Betting on the Celtics will be high everywhere, from Las Vegas to online sportsbooks across the globe. In fact, French NBA prediction sites are going one step further, offering great promotional offers to bet on the Celtics, reflecting the global confidence in Boston's championship prospects.
Celtics' Championship Swagger
The Celtics are fresh off a season in which they didn't just win—they dominated. Their 64-18 regular-season record, followed by an almost effortless 16-3 postseason run, speaks volumes. They weren’t just the best team last year; historically, they were good.
Their core duo of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Finals MVP Al Horford is intact and seems even more motivated after proving the doubters wrong.
The Celtics' lineup is as close to a modern-day dynasty as possible. But that doesn't mean they're invincible. Opening night could be a litmus test for their offseason adjustments and chemistry, particularly how their new additions mesh with the existing core.
Given their track record and depth, they are rightfully the favorites, but as the saying goes, "heavy is the head that wears the crown."
The Knicks' Gamble with Mikal Bridges
The Knicks, meanwhile, have taken a significant gamble, but one that could pay off big time. Since they drafted Patrick Ewing, trading for Mikal Bridges was the franchise’s boldest move. The cost? Five first-round draft picks and a swap—an enormous haul, but potentially a franchise-altering one.
The Knicks believe that Bridges, alongside his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, could form a core capable of ending their title drought.
Bridges is the kind of two-way player that can change a team’s fortunes overnight. He’s versatile, relentless on defense, and his offensive game has developed significantly. Pairing him with Julius Randle, who seems to have finally found consistency, and the ever-improving Brunson, gives the Knicks a formidable lineup. The question is, can they click quickly enough to challenge the Celtics on their home floor?
Betting Lines and Historical Context
The Celtics are listed as -200 favorites to win, reflecting their home-court advantage and dominance from last season. On the other hand, the Knicks are underdogs with +177 odds, indicating the challenge they face and the potential for a significant payout if they pull off an upset.
Historically, Boston has dominated this rivalry, with a 68.4% win rate in its 494 regular-season matchups against the Knicks. However, in the last five years, New York has held its own, winning 10 of 19 games against the Celtics. This recent history suggests that while Boston may be the favorites, New York is more than capable of flipping the script.
Final Thoughts
For Boston, it’s about starting the season strong and telling the rest of the league they’re unsatisfied with just one championship. For New York, it’s about proving that the Bridges trade wasn’t just a headline-grabber but a legitimate move to contend for the title.
This isn’t just a game; it’s a statement. Both teams have a lot to prove, and the Knicks have the added pressure of showing that they can be more than just a good regular-season team.