John Wall Picks Celtics Over Knicks in Potential Playoff Rematch

Former NBA All-Star and current analyst John Wall breaks down the Knicks' chances against the Celtics in the playoffs.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:11pm

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Five-time NBA All-Star point guard and current Amazon Prime Video NBA analyst John Wall shared his thoughts on the Knicks' playoff chances, including who he thinks would win in a potential second-round matchup between the Knicks and Celtics. Wall believes the more complete Celtics team would defeat the Knicks, though he thinks the Knicks could make it to the Eastern Conference Finals if they avoid facing the Celtics.

Why it matters

As the Knicks look to make a deep playoff run, Wall's analysis provides valuable insight from a former star player and current media analyst. His perspective on the team's strengths, weaknesses, and potential matchups could help shape the narrative around the Knicks' postseason aspirations.

The details

Wall believes the key for the Knicks is getting strong performances from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. He thinks the Knicks have pressure to make the NBA Finals this year, but says they've shown inconsistency throughout the season. If the Knicks face the Celtics in the second round, Wall is picking Boston, citing their more complete roster with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and supporting players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.

  • The Knicks beat the Celtics on Friday night.

The players

John Wall

A five-time NBA All-Star point guard and current NBA analyst for Amazon Prime Video.

Mikal Bridges

A key player for the Knicks who Wall believes is crucial to the team's success alongside OG Anunoby.

OG Anunoby

Another key player for the Knicks who Wall believes is crucial to the team's success alongside Mikal Bridges.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' star point guard who Wall says must find a way to get other players involved in addition to his own scoring.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star center who Wall says must be dominant on both ends of the floor for the team to succeed in the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“To me the key has always been all year: Can Mikal Bridges and [OG] Anunoby play well at the same time? … Outside of what you know you'll get from [Jalen] Brunson and KAT [Karl-Anthony Towns], I think that takes their team to another level.”

— John Wall, NBA Analyst

“I'm taking the Celtics on that one. … I feel like the Celtics are a more complete team. Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, one of them is gonna be on the floor at all times, and they also have Derrick White, [Payton] Pritchard's playing great off the bench, you got [Baylor] Scheierman, that's another guy that knocks down shots. … I just feel like they're a more complete team than what the Knicks are.”

— John Wall, NBA Analyst

The takeaway

Wall's analysis highlights the Knicks' need for consistent contributions from their supporting cast alongside their star players in order to make a deep playoff run. While the Knicks have shown the ability to beat top teams, Wall believes the more battle-tested Celtics have the edge in a potential playoff matchup.