How to Watch Knicks vs. Celtics on DIRECTV: Tip-Off Time, Prime Video and How to Stream It
Prime Video opens its NBA season with one of the league's oldest rivalries. The New York Knicks visit the Boston Celtics on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden, and the game streams nationally on Prime Video as part of NBA on Prime.
Prime Video isn't a DIRECTV channel, so you won't find this game by channel number in your guide. DIRECTV customers can watch it in the Prime Video app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, or on a smart TV, streaming stick, game console, phone or tablet, with an Amazon subscription that includes Prime Video. Here's how it works, what's different about this game and what to know before tip-off.
Knicks vs. Celtics: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7 p.m. ET |
| National stream | Prime Video (NBA on Prime) |
| DIRECTV channel | None: watch in the Prime Video app (Gemini devices support it) |
| Arena | TD Garden, Boston |
| Game type | Regular season; Celtics' home opener; first game of Prime Video's 2026-27 NBA schedule |
What channel is Knicks vs. Celtics on DIRECTV?
There isn't one. Knicks-Celtics is a Prime Video game, and Prime Video is a streaming service, not a channel in DIRECTV's lineup. It isn't on ESPN, NBC or NBA TV. The NBA and Amazon list Prime Video as the game's national outlet, and as of Oct. 14 neither the NBA's nor ESPN's game listing showed a local telecast on MSG Network or NBC Sports Boston.
That doesn't mean you need a second TV setup. Here's how DIRECTV customers watch:
- On a DIRECTV Gemini device: open the Prime Video app on your Gemini device, sign in with your Amazon account and find the game under NBA or Live & Upcoming.
- On a smart TV or streaming device: use the Prime Video app on your smart TV, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV or game console, and switch inputs back to DIRECTV when the game ends.
- On the go: the Prime Video app streams the game on phones and tablets.
Prime Video needs its own Amazon subscription, billed by Amazon, not DIRECTV. Have your Amazon sign-in ready before 7 p.m. so you don't miss tip-off. Comparing devices? See DIRECTV Gemini Air vs. Amazon Fire TV.
Is Knicks vs. Celtics on MSG or NBC Sports Boston?
MSG Network carries most Knicks local games and NBC Sports Boston carries most Celtics local games, and both are regional networks that come with DIRECTV CHOICE and higher where DIRECTV carries them in your ZIP code. For this game, neither network was listed as of Oct. 14, so plan on Prime Video in New York, Boston and everywhere else in the U.S. If a local telecast is added, it will show up in your DIRECTV guide. Search "Knicks" or "Celtics" on game day to check.
Can I watch Knicks vs. Celtics on NBA League Pass?
No. League Pass doesn't carry national exclusives like Prime Video games live. It's built for out-of-market local games, so it's a good add-on for fans who live outside New York or New England. See our NBA League Pass plans and prices guide for tiers.
Knicks vs. Celtics: where to watch at a glance
| Option | How it works with DIRECTV | Carries this game? |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video app | App on DIRECTV Gemini devices, smart TVs and streaming devices | Yes (separate Amazon subscription) |
| MSG Network (Knicks local, other nights) | Regional sports network, CHOICE and higher where carried | Not listed as of Oct. 14 |
| NBC Sports Boston (Celtics local, other nights) | Regional sports network, CHOICE and higher where carried | Not listed as of Oct. 14 |
| ESPN (206), NBA TV (216), local NBC | DIRECTV channels | No |
| NBA League Pass | DIRECTV add-on | No (national game) |
What to know before tip-off
- The defending champs: the Knicks raise their first championship banner since 1973 on opening night, Oct. 20, against the 76ers, then head to Boston for this game.
- A reshaped Celtics roster: Boston traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in a deal that brought back Paul George, and signed Mitchell Robinson away from the Knicks. Jayson Tatum is back after his 2025 Achilles injury.
- Recent playoff history: the Knicks beat the Celtics in six games in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals.
- Prime's doubleheader: Rockets vs. Spurs follows at 9:30 p.m. ET from Moody Center in Austin, Texas, also on Prime Video.
- Check availability on game day: both teams post injury reports before tip-off, so confirm who's playing that afternoon.
Knicks and Celtics on national TV: opening week and beyond
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue., Oct. 20 | Celtics at Pistons (opening night) | 3 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Tue., Oct. 20 | 76ers at Knicks (opening night) | 7 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | Knicks at Celtics | 7 p.m. | Prime Video (app) |
| Tue., Oct. 27 | Pistons at Knicks | 8 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Fri., Oct. 30 | Knicks at 76ers (NBA Cup) | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video (app) |
NBC games air on your local NBC station, which DIRECTV includes where local channels are available. Team-by-team local channels, League Pass details and the full national schedule are in our guide to watching the NBA on DIRECTV.
Which DIRECTV package is best for Knicks and Celtics fans?
- ENTERTAINMENT: covers national games on ESPN (206), ESPN2 (209) and your local ABC and NBC stations where available, including both teams' opening-night games on NBC.
- CHOICE: adds regional sports networks like MSG Network and NBC Sports Boston where DIRECTV carries them, plus NBA TV (216) for about 60 regular-season games starting Oct. 24.
- MySports Genre Pack: a sports-focused streaming option with ESPN, NBA TV and local channels where available.
Add Prime Video on your own for the Friday games, and you'll have every national window covered. Want MSG or NBC Sports Boston with your plan? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Knicks vs. Celtics on October 23?
Tip-off is 7 p.m. ET on Friday, October 23, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston.
What channel is Knicks vs. Celtics on DIRECTV?
It isn't on a DIRECTV channel. The game streams on Prime Video, which you can watch in the Prime Video app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, smart TV, streaming device, phone or tablet with an Amazon subscription that includes Prime Video.
Can I watch Knicks vs. Celtics without Prime Video?
Prime Video is the only national outlet for the game. As of Oct. 14, no local telecast on MSG Network or NBC Sports Boston was listed, and national games aren't available live on NBA League Pass.
Is Knicks vs. Celtics on ESPN or NBA TV?
No. ESPN's opening-week games are Wednesday and Thursday, and NBA TV's regular-season schedule starts Saturday, Oct. 24. Friday's Knicks-Celtics game is on Prime Video.
What else is on Prime Video that night?
Rockets vs. Spurs follows at 9:30 p.m. ET from Moody Center in Austin, Texas, also on Prime Video.
Questions about MSG, NBC Sports Boston or streaming apps on DIRECTV? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 14, 2026. Tip times, TV assignments and broadcast plans are set by the NBA, its teams and their TV partners and may change. Player availability is often announced close to tip-off. Local channel availability, channel numbers, app availability, packages and prices vary by address and device and are subject to change. Prime Video is a separate Amazon subscription. NBA, Prime Video, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, MSG Network, NBC Sports Boston, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.