The NBA season kicks off tonight in Boston as the Celtics unveil their championship banner and receive their rings in anticipation of a matchup with the New York Knicks. Here is how to watch the Knicks vs. Celtics from home, whether you have cable or prefer to stream the game live.
In June, the Boston Celtics achieved a historic 18th NBA title by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Finals. The team enjoyed an outstanding regular season in 2023-2024, finishing with a league-leading 64 wins. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks had a solid season, securing the second spot in the Eastern Conference and reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade. They advanced through the first round but were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Semifinals.
For those interested in additional NBA action, the evening will also feature a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m. ET. For further details on how to catch upcoming games, refer to our comprehensive guide on viewing NBA games this season.
The Knicks vs. Celtics game will be broadcast on TNT, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage kicking off at 6 p.m. The network will also air the Celtics’ banner-raising and ring ceremony at TD Garden, scheduled for around 7 p.m.
For those without cable or who cannot access TNT normally, the game can be streamed live on platforms such as Max, Sling TV, or DirecTV Stream. Each of these monthly subscription services has unique offerings that cater to various viewing preferences.
Max provides the most affordable option for watching the game, as it features live TNT games through its B/R Sports Add-on. Subscriptions begin at $10 per month for the ad-supported tier, and the B/R Sports Add-on is currently included for free with new and existing subscriptions.
Sling TV and DirecTV Stream both offer TNT among their live streaming channels, making them excellent alternatives for viewers seeking a cable replacement without long-term commitments. Sling TV is the more budget-friendly choice, with plans starting at $40 per month, specifically with the Sling Orange plan, which also includes ESPN and other channels. DirecTV Stream offers over 90 live channels, with subscriptions starting at $87 per month but allowing new customers a five-day free trial.
For NBA fans traveling outside the U.S., a VPN such as ExpressVPN can be used to maintain access to streaming services. VPNs allow users to change their virtual location, enabling them to watch their favorite channels as if they were at home. ExpressVPN is recommended for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To watch the Knicks vs. Celtics game using a VPN, users should sign up for a VPN service, install it on their viewing device, set it to a U.S. location, subscribe to one of the aforementioned streaming services, and then navigate to TNT to enjoy the game. Note that some countries have legal restrictions on VPN usage, and accessing region-locked content may violate terms of service for certain platforms.