Celtics Clinch Atlantic Division with Win Over Knicks

Boston secures No. 2 seed in East despite key injuries

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a basketball game between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, with the players and court fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The Celtics' hard-fought victory over the Knicks secures home-court advantage for the Eastern Conference semifinals.NYC Today

The Boston Celtics clinched the Atlantic Division title and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a victory over the New York Knicks on April 9, 2026. Despite missing several key players due to injuries, the Celtics were able to secure the critical win that gives them home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Why it matters

The Celtics' division title and No. 2 seed are significant as they position the team for a deep playoff run. Home-court advantage could prove crucial, especially with the Celtics dealing with injuries to important players like Jaylen Brown. The Knicks' loss means they will likely have to settle for a lower playoff seed, making their path to the Finals more difficult.

The details

The Celtics entered the game short-handed, with Jaylen Brown ruled out due to left Achilles tendinitis and starters Derrick White and Neemias Queta listed as questionable with injuries. Despite the absences, the Celtics were able to pull out the victory over their division rival Knicks, clinching the Atlantic Division crown and the No. 2 seed in the East.

  • The Celtics' victory on April 9, 2026 clinched the Atlantic Division title and No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
  • The Celtics have two remaining regular season games, against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 10 and the Orlando Magic on April 12, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A Celtics starter who was ruled out of the game due to left Achilles tendinitis.

Derrick White

A Celtics starter who was listed as questionable for the game with a knee contusion.

Neemias Queta

A Celtics starter who was listed as questionable for the game with a toe sprain.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us, especially with some key guys out. The team really stepped up and got the job done.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics Forward

What’s next

The Celtics will look to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with wins in their final two regular season games against the Pelicans and Magic.

The takeaway

The Celtics' ability to clinch the Atlantic Division title and No. 2 seed despite key injuries demonstrates the team's depth and resilience. This positioning will be crucial as they aim for a deep playoff run, though the Knicks' loss means they will likely have to settle for a lower seed.