Celtics vs. Knicks, Rockets vs. Spurs — Our Prime time Parlay Picks!
Two heavyweight matchups, four talented teams, and 11 player and game props on our radar. We’re breaking down the matchups, historical patterns, and potential advantages from Friday’s NBA doubleheader!
Friday night basketball is bringing the heat! Prime Video has a doubleheader featuring two Eastern Conference rivals and a Texas showdown loaded with young talent and superstar firepower.
First up, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics battle Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. Then Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs welcome Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and the Houston Rockets.
We’re looking beyond the big names and focusing on matchups, shot opportunities, defensive weaknesses, and early-season trends.
Let’s get into our picks!
🏀 Game 1: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Friday, October 23 | 7 PM ET | Prime Video
Boston’s Defense vs. New York’s Scoring Weapons
The Celtics and Knicks are no strangers to physical basketball. These teams know how to make every possession count, especially when the game gets tight.
Boston has the defensive personnel to make life difficult for Brunson, while New York’s size and versatility could create opportunities for Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby.
The Celtics are also looking for offensive consistency after their season opener, where Paul George exploded for 38 points.
But can he do it again?
Our Knicks vs. Celtics Player Props
| Player | Our Pick |
|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | Over 25.5 Points |
| Jalen Brunson | Under 25.5 Points |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Over 19.5 Points |
| Paul George | Under 17.5 Points |
| OG Anunoby | Over 16.5 Points |
Why We Like These Picks
🔥 Jayson Tatum — Over 25.5 Points
Tatum is Boston’s offensive centerpiece, and we expect him to come out aggressive. New York’s physical defense won’t make things easy, but Tatum has the scoring versatility to attack from anywhere on the court.
🛑 Jalen Brunson — Under 25.5 Points
Brunson can take over games, but Boston’s perimeter defense could force him into difficult shots. Derrick White and the Celtics’ defensive rotations may limit his efficiency and make him work for every bucket.
🐺 Karl-Anthony Towns — Over 19.5 Points
With Boston focused on slowing Brunson, Towns could benefit from additional scoring opportunities. His combination of post moves, outside shooting, and rebounding makes him a difficult matchup.
📉 Paul George — Under 17.5 Points
Now here’s where we’re expecting a reality check!
George erupted for 38 points in Boston’s season opener, but we’re not expecting another scoring explosion.
That’s a tough performance to repeat, especially with Tatum demanding touches and New York likely making defensive adjustments.
We expect George’s scoring to cool off considerably as Boston’s offense becomes more balanced. The under is one of our more interesting plays, although his opening-game shot volume makes it far from guaranteed.
🎯 OG Anunoby — Over 16.5 Points
Anunoby struggled from three-point range in New York’s opener, but his willingness to shoot is encouraging.
If Boston puts extra attention on Brunson and Towns, OG could find himself with some favorable looks.
BuckBully Game Prediction
We’re leaning toward Boston protecting home court in a competitive, physical matchup.
The Celtics’ defensive discipline and Tatum’s scoring give them an advantage, but don’t expect New York to make it easy.
🚀 Game 2: Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
Friday, October 23 | 9:30 PM ET | Prime Video
Wemby vs. Şengün: The Battle of the Big Men!
Now this is where things get interesting!
Houston and San Antonio are building two of the most exciting rosters in the Western Conference.
The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, a defensive nightmare who can block shots, stretch the floor, and score from almost anywhere.
Houston counters with Alperen Şengün’s post scoring and playmaking, along with Kevin Durant’s elite offensive versatility.
San Antonio won three of four meetings against Houston last season, but the Rockets have additional weapons this year.
Our Rockets vs. Spurs Game & Player Props
| Player / Game | Our Pick |
|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | +2.5 Spread |
| Stephon Castle | 3+ Three-Pointers |
| Victor Wembanyama | 1+ Three-Pointer |
| Victor Wembanyama | 25+ Points |
| Alperen Şengün | 20+ Points |
| Stephon Castle | 15+ Points |
Why We Like These Picks
🚀 Houston Rockets +2.5
Houston has enough offensive talent to challenge San Antonio, even on the road.
Durant’s shot creation and Şengün’s ability to operate inside could keep the Rockets within striking distance throughout the game.
We’re expecting a competitive Texas showdown with upset potential.
🎯 Stephon Castle — 3+ Three-Pointers
This is our aggressive shooting prop!
Castle’s development as a scorer makes him an exciting player to watch, but three made triples is a demanding target given his historical outside-shooting inconsistency.
If Houston collapses into the paint to protect against drives, Castle could get open looks.
It’s a high-risk selection with a potentially attractive payout.
👽 Victor Wembanyama — 1+ Three-Pointer
Wemby doesn’t need much space to launch from deep.
Houston will have its hands full defending his interior game, and his ability to stretch the floor could force Şengün and the Rockets’ big men into uncomfortable defensive positions.
One made three is a reasonable target if he gets his usual perimeter opportunities.
🔥 Victor Wembanyama — 25+ Points
Wembanyama’s combination of size, shooting touch, and offensive versatility creates problems for almost any defense.
Houston can throw multiple defenders at him, but containing Wemby for an entire game is another story.
💪 Alperen Şengün — 20+ Points
Şengün has the footwork and offensive creativity to challenge Wembanyama.
The key will be avoiding foul trouble and finding ways to score without repeatedly challenging Wemby directly at the rim.
His ability to draw defenders and create offense could be critical to Houston’s success.
⚡ Stephon Castle — 15+ Points
Castle’s aggressive drives and expanding offensive role make this one of our favorite San Antonio scoring angles.
Unlike the three-pointer selection, Castle can reach 15 points through drives, free throws, transition opportunities, and perimeter shots.
BuckBully Game Prediction
We’re rolling with Houston +2.5.
San Antonio’s size and home-court advantage are legitimate concerns, but Houston’s offensive versatility could keep this game close enough to cover.
Don’t be surprised if the Rockets pull off the upset!
🎟️ BuckBully Friday Night Parlay Tickets
We’re building four different tickets around our favorite matchup angles.
🛡️ Hedge Ticket — 4 Legs
- Jayson Tatum Over 25.5 Points
- Stephon Castle 15+ Points
- Victor Wembanyama 1+ Three
- Alperen Şengün 20+ Points
⚡ Power Play — 5 Legs
- Jayson Tatum Over 25.5 Points
- Jalen Brunson Under 25.5 Points
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 19.5 Points
- Paul George Under 17.5 Points
- Houston Rockets +2.5
🏆 MVP Ticket — 6 Legs
- Jayson Tatum Over 25.5 Points
- Jalen Brunson Under 25.5 Points
- Paul George Under 17.5 Points
- OG Anunoby Over 16.5 Points
- Victor Wembanyama 25+ Points
- Stephon Castle 15+ Points
🎰 Wild Card Lottery Ticket — 11 Legs
We’re going all in on our original 11 selections across both games!
Every scoring prop, Castle’s three-pointer gamble, and Houston covering the spread.
It’s a long shot, but that’s why we call it the lottery ticket! Combining 11 selections significantly reduces the likelihood of hitting the entire ticket.
🐂 Final Word: Big Stars, Big Matchups & Bigger Expectations!
Friday’s doubleheader gives us two very different basketball battles.
In Boston, we’re watching whether Tatum can take control, whether Brunson struggles against the Celtics’ defense, and whether Paul George comes back down to earth after his 38-point eruption.
In San Antonio, we’re watching Wemby’s dominance, Şengün’s offensive creativity, and whether Castle can deliver from beyond the arc.
Our biggest storyline? Paul George’s scoring regression.
After a spectacular opener, we’re betting on a more balanced Celtics offense rather than another 30-plus-point performance from George.
And don’t sleep on Houston. The Rockets have enough weapons to make the Spurs work for every possession.
Be Bullish On What You Hold.
BuckBully.com — Where Collectibles Meet Markets.
Pregame selections and analysis for October 23, 2026. Lines are user-supplied and may differ from sportsbook closing odds. These are opinions, not guaranteed outcomes.