The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics meet Tuesday in NBA action at the TD Garden. Here’s a Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Prediction. This article will include a Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Pick.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The Knicks follow up this game with contests against the Pacers and Cavaliers. The New York Knicks are coming off back to back second round playoff trips and enter year five under coach Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks looked to be set roster wise, but recently made a shocking trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, moving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in the process. It cuts into the Knicks’ depth even more, but pairing Towns with a starting five that features Jalen Brunson, Mikel Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, is intriguing. You could argue the Knicks have the best starting five in the NBA. The question will be about the bench unit. The Knicks haven’t made the playoffs three straight years since the 2012-13 season. Of course, the expectations these days are bigger than the postseason alone. It has to be NBA Finals berth or bust for the Knicks this season.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Celtics follow up this game by playing the Wizards and Pistons. The Boston Celtics are coming off an NBA title and enter the third year under coach Joe Mazzulla. The Celtics are nearly the exact same team that just won the championship outside of adding Lonnie Walker IV and Baylor Scheierman, and losing Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk.
Even with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined due to injury, the Celtics have arguably the best starting five in the league with Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Al Horford. Guys like Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser have proven to be valuable off the bench. Things won’t be easy for the Celtics with a target now on their back and other teams being healthier, but Boston remains the team to beat in the NBA.
Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Injury Report
The Knicks will be without Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle). The Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis due to a foot injury.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Knicks have lost each of their last six season openers as underdogs.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five season openers as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in six of the Celtics’ last eight games.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Al Horford ranked 1st amongst qualified Centers for 3P% (41.9%) last season.
- Jaylen Brown ranked T3rd in the league for fast break points (310) last season.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Jalen Brunson ranked 4th amongst qualified players for points per game (28.7) last season.
- Josh Hart ranked 2nd amongst qualified Guards for rebounds per game (8.3) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics ranked 1st in the league for point differential per game last season (+11.3).
- The Celtics ranked T1st in the league for blocks per game last season (6.6).
- The Knicks ranked 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game last season (12.7).
- The Knicks ranked 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage last season (76.4%).
Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Prediction
It’s intriguing to grab the points with the Knicks, as you’re not going to get them as dogs often this season if they fulfil expectations. The Celtics aren’t as scary without Porzingis and this is a potential letdown spot with it being banner night. However, the Knicks have a lot of new pieces they still have to work in with the additions of Towns and Bridges, and even with camp and preseason, it could take some time. The Knicks also are hurt big time in the front court without Achiuwa and Robinson. The Celtics have no roster concerns, with them bringing back last year’s title team. I’ll lay the points with the Celtics.