Knicks Top Celtics, Solidify Playoff Seeding

New York Knicks strengthened their push for a higher Eastern Conference playoff position by beating the Boston Celtics 112-106 on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. The result narrowed the gap between the teams in the race for the No. 2 seed with two regular-season games left for each club.

New York’s win moved the Knicks to 52-28, while Boston fell to 54-26. With the victory, the Knicks pulled within two games of the Celtics for second place and also secured the head-to-head tiebreaker after taking the season series 3-1.

Josh Hart paced New York with 26 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson added 25 points and 10 assists, providing both scoring and playmaking as the Knicks closed out the game late.

For Boston, Jayson Tatum posted 24 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. The game marked Tatum’s first appearance at Madison Square Garden since he suffered an Achilles injury during last season’s playoffs, according to the game details provided.

The Celtics played without their leading scorer, Jaylen Brown, who was ruled out with left Achilles tendinitis. Boston entered the night on a four-game winning streak, but that run ended with the loss in New York.

What happened : The Knicks’ home win tightened the top of the Eastern Conference standings and positioned New York to keep pressure on Boston over the final weekend of the regular season. What it means : With the tiebreaker in hand, New York’s path to the No. 2 seed is clear in the standings math provided—win its final two games while Boston drops its last two.

Next on the schedule, New York will host Toronto on Friday and Charlotte on Sunday. Boston will return home to face New Orleans on Friday and Orlando on Sunday, closing its regular season with two games that will determine whether the Celtics can hold their current position.

Key uncertainties remain limited to results still to be played: the No. 2 seed scenario depends on outcomes in the final two games for both teams. With only two contests remaining per side, the margin for error is small, and the final seeding will be decided quickly.

Implications

Country Impact: In the United States, the result reshapes the Eastern Conference playoff seeding picture with two games remaining for both teams. The Knicks’ tiebreaker advantage over the Celtics makes the final weekend’s outcomes decisive for the No. 2 seed.

Industry Impact: For the sports business ecosystem, late-season seeding races can influence near-term demand for tickets and local game-day activity, especially with high-profile matchups at Madison Square Garden. Team availability also remains a factor, highlighted by Jaylen Brown’s absence due to left Achilles tendinitis and Jayson Tatum’s return to the venue after last season’s Achilles injury.

Market Impact: While the game is a sports result, it underscores how marquee franchises can drive attention and scheduling value into the final days of the regular season. Globally, the Knicks-Celtics race adds to international interest in the NBA’s playoff picture as the league’s top markets approach postseason play.