Jayson Tatum recently guest-starred on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The Boston Celtics star had something to say about a possible playoff opponent, the New York Knicks. NBA champion Tatum fueled New York fans by somewhat predicting their 2024-25 season win total.
“It’s going to be a rematch. We’re going to play Dallas again.”
– Jayson Tatum on the 2025 Finals Matchup
(h/t @clovermars1) pic.twitter.com/SURFlPK0j4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 12, 2024
Fallon asked Tatum if the NBA star thinks the Knicks will win over 50 games for the 2024-25 season.
“They’ll win a few more,’ Tatum said as if doing so to appease the New York crowd.
The Knicks won 50 games without Julius Randle for 36 games. Furthermore, the OG Anunoby trade occurred later in the season, significantly changing the defense’s potential.
Finally, the Knicks have Mikal Bridges, who represents a legitimate third option for a championship-contending team. Leon Rose built a formidable team to oppose the Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks. Despite losing in the second round of the 2024 playoffs, the Knicks have catapulted themselves into the championship discord.
Whether for jokes or not, Tatum’s giving them such leeway speaks to his respect for the Knicks roster. Jalen Brunson finished fifth in MVP votes and likely will have another campaign resembling such a performance. DraftKings seems to think the Knicks will have a better season, too.
The DraftKings’ sportsbook has the Knicks favored to go over 52.5 wins.
As the Celtics likely focus more on preserving the players for a repeat championship, the first since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, look for their wins to dip from last season. The Knicks could very well lead the Eastern Conference in wins, and the Celtics could help involuntarily.
