Knicks visit Celtics with both seeking first win of NBA season

The defending NBA champion New York Knicks visit the Boston Celtics at TD Garden after both teams lost their opening games of the 2026-27 season. The Eastern Conference meeting is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 23.

New York opened with a 106-100 loss to the 76ers on Tuesday, while Boston fell 121-113 away to the Pistons. The game gives both sides an immediate chance to respond, with the Celtics playing their home opener.

Knicks return with familiar core

The Knicks have retained nearly their entire rotation from last season’s championship squad. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns lead a group now looking for its first win after an opening night that included the celebrations surrounding its title.

Josh Hart had seven rebounds against the 76ers. He averaged 8.3 rebounds across 173 career games with the Knicks and was also prominent on the boards against Boston last season, collecting 14 rebounds in their first meeting and averaging seven across four games.

With the ring ceremony and banner raising behind them, the Knicks face Boston on Friday.

Boston seeks a response at home

The Celtics’ defeat in Detroit provided a first look at their new line-up after Jaylen Brown was traded to the 76ers. Paul George scored 38 points for Boston against the Pistons, but Jayson Tatum finished with 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting.

Boston won 30 of its 41 home games last season and split its two home meetings with New York. Across the past three years, the Celtics have won five of seven games against the Knicks in Boston.

The Celtics also had the NBA’s best scoring defence last season, allowing 107.2 points per game. That record, and the return to TD Garden, provide context for a home opener in which Boston will try to put its loss to Detroit behind it.

First win awaits one side

Friday night’s game brings together two teams seeking a quick recovery from Tuesday’s results. The Knicks are trying to follow their championship season with a first victory of the new campaign; the Celtics are aiming to make their first home appearance a winning one.

The meeting will also show how New York’s largely retained rotation matches up with Boston’s changed line-up, with Brunson and Towns leading the visitors and George and Tatum coming off contrasting performances against the Pistons.