Following a 123-119 spread-covering victory over the Chicago Bulls on November 4, the Boston Celtics turn around and travel to New York City for the second game of a back-to-back against the Knicks.
Against Chicago, the Cs struggled from beyond the arc with a 29% conversion rate. Luckily, the team adjusted and attacked the basket in order to compensate, shooting 61% from inside the arc — powered by Jayson Tatum and Malcolm Brogdon’s relentlessness at the rim en route to 61 points.
Boston had lost three of their last four heading into their second Bulls battle of the season, including their first loss of the season to Chicago. The win was much-needed for the Cs, but there’s no rest for the weary.
New York, the Celtics’ opponent tonight, ended a three-game slide last night with a 106-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett combined for 55 points in the comeback victory in the fourth quarter.
Those two, particularly Brunson, will be problems for the C’s defense. Can Boston stave off an Atlantic Division rival that may have landed the perfect point guard addition this past offseason? Hardwood Houdini has your odds and a prediction for Saturday night between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks on NBA TV, NBC Sports Boston, MSG Network, and NBA League Pass (all odds provided by WynnBET):
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks odds, spread
The Celtics are 4-point favorites against the Knicks. New York is a +150 underdog while Boston’s ML is set at -180. The over/under for the game has been placed at 224.5 points.
Celtics vs. Knicks prediction
Boston has been giving up gaudy point totals most games, with the Washington Wizards matchup last Sunday being the lone outing they held their opponent under 100 points. Given that both the Knicks and Celtics both played last night, and New York rank in the middle of the pack in points per game, the Houdini is leaning towards the under today.
Pick: 224.5u (-110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.