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Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks (Image via Getty)
The New York Knicks travel to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET, and both teams enter the game ranked among the top three in the Eastern Conference.This matchup carries weight for playoff positioning. Both teams have strong records, but several players are dealing with injuries. Final availability could affect rotations and defensive matchups.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Injury reports (Feb. 8, 2026)
New York Knicks (33-19, 3rd in East)
New York is managing injuries in both the frontcourt and guard rotation, though its main scorers are expected to be available.Out / Doubtful
| Player | Status | Injury | Notes |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Questionable | Right-eye laceration | Game-time decision based on swelling and vision |
| Miles McBride | Out | Left ankle/core muscle | Expected to miss multiple weeks |
| Mohamed Diawara | Day-to-day | Ankle | Status unclear |
Questionable / Limited
| Player | Status | Injury | Expected Limitation |
| OG Anunoby | Questionable | Right toe soreness | Could play limited minutes |
| Josh Hart | Questionable | Ankle/undisclosed soreness | Availability affects rebounding and defense |
| Mitchell Robinson | Day-to-day | Left ankle soreness | May have reduced minutes |
Expected to Play
| Player | Role |
| Jalen Brunson | Averaging about 27 points and 6 assists; leads the offense |
| Mikal Bridges | Starting wing; likely defensive matchup on Boston’s top scorer |
| Jordan Clarkson, Pacôme Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, Landry Shamet, Kevin McCullar Jr. | Active roster |
Boston Celtics (34-18, 2nd in East)
Boston enters the game on a five-game winning streak but continues to play without Jayson Tatum.Out
| Player | Injury | Impact |
| Jayson Tatum | Right Achilles | Out indefinitely |
| Sam Hauser | Right thumb strain | Removes a perimeter shooter |
Questionable / Game-time
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Jaylen Brown | Questionable | Left hamstring tightness, right knee soreness |
| Neemias Queta | Game-time decision | Illness |
Expected to Play
| Player | Production |
| Derrick White | Around 17 points, 5.5 assists, 1.4 blocks |
| Nikola Vucevic | Roughly 16–17 points and 9 rebounds |
| Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Nowell, Luke Kornet | Available rotation players |
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Head-to-head context
Boston has a 10-6 record against New York in regular-season meetings over the past three seasons. The teams have already played once this year, with the Celtics winning a close, low-possession game that featured smaller lineups.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Team stats and style of play (2025-26)
Knicks overview
• Offensive rating: about 117-118, ranked in the top 10 • Defensive rating: around 109-110, among the league’s best
Key production
| Jalen Brunson | ~27.1 PPG, 6.1 APG, 3.3 RPG |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | ~19–20 PPG, 11–12 RPG |
| Mikal Bridges | ~18–19 PPG with strong perimeter defense |
New York relies on defense, transition scoring, and a controlled half-court offense led by Brunson.
Celtics overview
• Offensive rating: roughly 116-117 with strong half-court efficiency • Defensive rating: typically ranked inside the top three
Key production
| Player | Stats |
| Jaylen Brown | ~29.5 PPG, 7 RPG, 4.7 APG |
| Derrick White | ~17.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 BPG |
| Nikola Vucevic | ~16.8 PPG, 9 RPG, 3.8 APG |
Boston plays at a steady pace, looks for mismatches, and switches frequently on defense to force difficult shots.
Matchups that could decide the game
- Brunson vs. Brown/White: If Brown plays, Boston keeps its top scorer. Brunson’s shot creation and ball control will be central for New York.- Frontcourt battle: Towns gives the Knicks size and spacing against Vucevic.
If he sits, New York will rely more on Hukporti, Diawara, and Bridges.- Perimeter defense: Boston depends on outside shooting from White, Vucevic, and role players. New York’s wings must contest without fouling.- Injury impact: Brown’s absence would remove Boston’s primary shot creator. If Towns cannot play, New York loses interior scoring and rim protection.
Why this game matters
Both teams are near the top of the conference, and the outcome could influence playoff seeding and home-court advantage. A win for the Knicks would narrow the gap and show they can handle a road game even with injuries. A win for the Celtics would highlight their ability to stay steady without Tatum.The game features strong guard play and two reliable defenses, with final injury decisions likely to shape the outcome.
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