With the second-place Knicks (13-6) on tap for Tuesday night, I think it’s important to appreciate what the Celtics (11-9) have done over their last four games:

- 138-129 win vs. Magic (12-8)
- 117-114 win vs. Pistons (16-4)
- 119-115 loss vs. Timberwolves (12-8)
- 117-115 win vs. Cavaliers (12-9)

3-1 against four teams widely considered to be teams that each have a real chance to win a championship in 2026 - unless we’re just crowning the Thunder (20-1) on December 1, which is what a lot of people in my life seem to have already done.

After their tough rivalry game on Tuesday night in Boston, the Celtics get a quick chance to catch their breath against the lowly Wizards (2-16) on Thursday.

But let’s not look past Tuesday, eh?

Betting Odds for Celtics vs. Knicks - December 2, 2025 (Full Game)

Spread: Celtics +1.5 (-120), Knicks +1 (-115)
Moneyline: Celtics +100, Knicks -109
Total: Over 231 (-110), Under 231.5 (-110)

Best number in each market via OddsTrader, which aggregates all the odds from every sportsbook to give you the best options to choose from.

Missed any of Sunday night’s win over Cleveland? Here were some takeaways:

1. Jordan Walsh strengthens his grip on a starting role:

After some uneven outings raised questions about his role, Walsh answered emphatically in Cleveland.

The third-year forward was active on both ends, controlled the glass, and scored timely baskets. His 14 points and career-high 11 rebounds anchored Boston during offensive droughts.

His 6 offensive boards fueled 16 second-chance points, crucial for a shorthanded team.

It was a night that showed why head coach Joe Mazzulla trusts him in the starting lineup.

2. Tillman might need more minutes:

With Queta unavailable, Tillman was unexpectedly thrust back into the starting lineup for the first time in weeks - and showed why he might deserve more looks going forward.

In 30 steady minutes, Tillman put up 9 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and swiped 3 steals while taking on the unenviable task of defending Mobley.

Despite playing so little in November, he looked composed and physical.

Queta’s impending return will complicate the center rotation, but Tillman gave Mazzulla something to think about.

3. Payton Pritchard delivers his biggest performance of the season:

With White sidelined, Pritchard immediately took on the scoring burden.

He scored 8 of Boston’s first 10 points, survived early foul trouble, and then closed fast-netting 15 of 27 fourth-quarter points, including 10 in the final three minutes.

Efficient, fearless, and relentless, Pritchard delivered his best offensive game when Boston needed it most.

They need 75-80% of that every night from him to have a real shot at making a deep run.

4. An impactful night for Brown outside of scoring:

Brown’s shooting was off, but his overall stat line impressed.

He attacked the paint, earning a career-high 16 free throws and hitting 12.

Without his jumper, Brown facilitated, matching a career-high 11 assists while dominating the glass with 12 rebounds.

His complete effort stabilized Boston during Cleveland’s late surge.

Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.