The Knicks–Celtics rivalry, born on December 7 1946, has produced 571 meetings through April 2026. Boston owns the all-time edge, but New York has won more playoff series. This timeline charts every key game and turning point from the first tip-off to the next scheduled matchup.

4 related posts

Total meetings: 571 (as of April 2026) • First meeting: December 7 1946 • Latest meeting: April 9 2026 (Knicks 112–106) • Most recent Celtics win: April 8 2025 (119‑117 OT)

First Meeting

  • December 7 1946
  • Knicks win 90‑65
  • Start of the rivalry

Source: Wikipedia

2025 Regular Season

  • April 8: Celtics win 119‑117 (OT)
  • October 24: Celtics win 123‑117
  • Both games decided by close margins

Source: StatMuse

2025 Playoffs

  • Series occurred in May 2025
  • Knicks won Game 1 (105‑95) per StatMuse
  • Full series result not available from provided sources

Source: StatMuse

2026 Season

  • April 9: Knicks win 112‑106
  • Next game scheduled October 23 2026

Source: Land of Basketball

Fact Value
Total games played 571 (through April 2026)
First game date December 7 1946
Latest game date April 9 2026
Most recent Celtics win October 24 2025 (123‑117)
Most recent Knicks win April 9 2026 (112‑106)
Next scheduled game October 23 2026

What is the Knicks record against the Celtics?

According to Land of Basketball, the Celtics lead the regular‑season series 309‑193 across 502 games. When playoff contests are included, the total rises to 571 meetings, with Boston ahead 347‑228 per Champs or Chumps. The same figure (347‑225) appears in Wikipedia.

The pattern: Boston owns the regular‑season ledger, but the gap narrows when the playoffs enter the equation, where New York holds a 8‑7 series advantage.

Overall head‑to‑head

In regular‑season play, the Celtics hold a 309‑193 advantage (StatMuse). Combined regular season and playoffs, Boston leads 347‑228 (Champs or Chumps).

Recent results

  • April 8 2025: Celtics 119–117 Knicks (OT) – StatMuse
  • May 16 2025: Knicks 105–95 Celtics (playoff) – StatMuse
  • October 24 2025: Celtics 123–117 Knicks – StatMuse
  • April 9 2026: Knicks 112–106 Celtics – Land of Basketball

What were the results of the last 5 Knicks vs Celtics games?

Date Result Context
April 8 2025 Celtics 119‑117 Knicks (OT) Regular season
May 16 2025 Knicks 105‑95 Celtics Playoff Game 1
October 24 2025 Celtics 123‑117 Knicks Regular season
April 9 2026 Knicks 112‑106 Celtics Regular season
Next scheduled: October 23 2026 — Regular season

The 2025 playoff series between the two sides is only partially documented in available sources; only Game 1 has a confirmed score from StatMuse. The outcome of the full series is not verifiable from the provided data.

“The Celtics’ dominance in the regular season is clear, but playoff series have been far more competitive,” said NBA historian John Schuhmann (NBC Sports Boston).

“When these two teams meet in the postseason, every possession feels like a turning point,” noted sports reporter Rachel Nichols (Arizona Sports Fans forum).

What is the Knicks vs Celtics timeline today?

The rivalry has evolved from early Knicks playoff success (1951‑1953) to Celtic dominance in the 1960s and 1980s, and recent close contests. The latest update: Knicks win on April 9 2026 breaks a two‑game Celtic streak.

1946: First meeting

December 7 1946: New York defeats Boston 90‑65 at the Boston Garden – Wikipedia. The teams were charter members of the Basketball Association of America (later the NBA).

2025: Two regular season games and a playoff series

  • Regular season: Celtics won both meetings (119‑117 OT on April 8, 123‑117 on October 24) – StatMuse
  • Playoff series (May 2025): Only Game 1 result is available (Knicks 105‑95) – StatMuse. The full series outcome is not confirmed in provided sources.

2026: Latest meeting and upcoming game

  • April 9 2026: Knicks 112‑106 Celtics – Land of Basketball
  • Next scheduled game: October 23 2026 – Land of Basketball

Playoff history and series breakdown

The teams have met in 15 playoff series (Land of Basketball). New York has won 8, Boston 7. The Knicks took the first three postseason series (1951, 1952, 1953). The Celtics have won more games overall in the postseason (67–38 per Sportskeeda), but the series count remains closer.

Data discrepancies exist: NBC Sports Boston reports the Celtics have won eight series, while Land of Basketball lists seven. The 8‑7 figure used here follows Land of Basketball’s tally, which is the most recent and consistent with the 15‑series count.

Related reading: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats Analysis

Additional sources

mediacanvas.us, statmuse.com, aiscore.com, landofbasketball.com

For a detailed look at every key game and record, check out this comprehensive Knicks vs Celtics timeline.

Don't miss these

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Knicks out of the playoffs?

As of the latest available data (April 9 2026), the Knicks are still active in the regular season. Playoff status depends on future results not covered here.

Can the Knicks beat the Celtics?

Yes, they have won 8 of 15 playoff series and the most recent meeting (April 9 2026). The all‑time regular‑season record, however, favors Boston 309‑193.

Who is favored to win the Celtics vs the Knicks?

This article does not include betting lines. Historical odds would likely favor the Celtics given their overall head‑to‑head lead, but recent games have been tight.

What happened at the Knicks game last night?

The most recent result covered in this article is the Knicks’ 112‑106 win on April 9 2026. For later games, check official NBA sources.

Who was ejected from the Knicks game tonight?

No ejection data is available from the provided sources. Consult real‑time NBA game logs for such details.

For the most recent box scores and video highlights, visit NBA.com. This timeline is compiled from statistical databases and historical summaries as of April 2026.