Subscribe
Follow Us
The Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks will clash to end the season on Sunday afternoon. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Celtics-Knicks prediction and pick.
New York controls its destiny for the fourth seed and home court advantage in the first round of the postseason. Boston is locked into the seventh seed and will play host to the first ever play-in game. In a rivalry that finally means something once again, which club will prevail and head into the postseason with some added momentum?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Celtics-Knicks odds.
NBA Odds: Celtics-Knicks Odds
Boston Celtics +11.5 (-107)
New York Knicks -11.5 (-113)
Over 211 Points (-110)
Under 211 Points (-110)
Article Continues Below
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Boston Celtics finally got themselves out of their rut with a win against the Timberwolves Saturday night. Boston has really struggled down the stretch, losing five of their last seven games to date. It seems the news of Jaylen Brown being done for the year hasn’t sat well with this group. His presence on the offensive end is dearly missed and the Celtics will need to find creative ways to generate offense in the play-in tournament.
Jayson Tatum has been one of the sole consistencies of this team lately. He led the way in the win against Minnesota with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Fournier has been trying to fill the void in the back court and played well Saturday, dropping 18 and dishing out six dimes. Boston shot 48% from the floor as a group, which is promising to see for a team that really needs to turn things around quick.
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
The New York Knicks will be looking to clinch the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a win. It’s been an incredible season for the Knicks and they haven’t let up down the stretch. The Knicks have won three of their last four games to date and seem to be clicking on all cylinders heading into the playoffs.
New York will now be looking to pick up their third straight victory after defeating the Hornets in overtime Saturday. Julius Randle led the way with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. Randle is well on his way to winning the Most Improved Player award. With guys like Reggie Bullock hitting outside shots at a high clip, this offense has the tools to outscore teams regularly behind their stellar defense.
Final Celtics-Knicks Prediction & Pick
This game has the makings of an ugly and gritty affair between two solid defensive clubs. With the Celtics lack of manpower in this game and the Knicks ability to smother on the defensive end, look for this game to be low scoring. I like the Knicks to win this game, but I wouldn't pick with the points because of what should be a playoff atmosphere. Boston has really struggled to put the ball in the basket at times recently and the Knicks aren't necessary a lethal scoring group themselves. I see this game going well under the set total.
FINAL PICK: Under 211 Points (-110)
