The Boston Celtics (40-16) and New York Knicks (37-19) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Celtics are 8-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread (Celtics -8), with the over/under set at 232 total points. Boston is a -310 favorite to win outright, while New York is +250 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Knicks vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, February 23.
Knicks vs Celtics Prediction
Spread
We've not seen any signs of New York's ability to slow down the Celtics. Given the Knicks' two lopsided losses in the season series, I've uncovered a potential flaw in their game that makes the Celtics increasingly attractive, even as an eight-point favorite.
Moneyline
Although Boston's moneyline is a bit steep with odds as high as -310, it might warrant some consideration if included as part of a same-game parlay.
Over/Under
I have no interest in the total now that it's been bet down from the opening number of 234.5 to as low as 231. My model has a projection of 230.8 points, leaving me no wiggle room at the current price.
My Pick: Celtics -8 (-115)
Knicks vs Celtics Odds, Lines, Picks
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -105 | 232 -110 / -110 | +250 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -115 | 232 -110 / -110 | -310 |
- Knicks vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -8
- Knicks vs. Celtics over/under: 232 total points
- Knicks vs. Celtics moneyline: Knicks +250, Celtics -310
- Knicks vs. Celtics best bet: Celtics -8 (-115)
My Celtics vs. Knicks best bet is on Boston to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics NBA Sunday Preview
The Celtics seem to have widened the gap between themselves and the Knicks this season. Despite a blockbuster trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the Big Apple, the Knickerbockers haven't found the right recipe to dethrone this Celtics juggernaut.
One reason for acquiring Towns was to improve New York's offense. We've seen their efficiency rise from 117.3 (ranked seventh) a season ago to 119.2 (currently third).
The problem is that the Knicks have also worsened defensively, dropping from out of the top 10 (112.4) to 18th with a 114.1 rating.
While we know the NBA can certainly be a copycat league, it would have been nice to see New York stick to its druthers and go all-in and embrace its tradition as being more of a defensive-minded team.
After all, the theme of teams embodying different playing styles is part of what skyrocketed the NBA to fame.
Unfortunately, it seems the Towns' move was a poor attempt by the Knicks to try and mimic the Celtics by matching them with more of a perimeter threat.
Interestingly, if you look at the numbers, the Knicks are actually hitting fewer 3-pointers, dropping from 10th (13.2) to 19th (12.8). In comparison, Boston is averaging even more 3-pointers this season with a league-best 17.9 per game, up from 16.5 in the previous campaign.
But what largely flies under the radar is how well the Celtics defend the perimeter. Boston ranks fourth in opponent 3-point field goals (12.6), while the Knicks are 20th (13.7) in the same category.
In the two previous meetings, the Celtics more than doubled the Knicks from the perimeter, knocking 48 3-pointers compared to 20 for New York.
Based on the underlying numbers we've examined for this matchup, I can only conclude that these teams appear farther apart than they are closer.
Knicks vs Celtics Best Bets
Boston's ability to rebound is another advantage they can exploit against New York. The Celtics outrebounded the Knicks 88-64 over the two games this season.
New York (43.0) ranks just 23rd in rebounding compared to Boston, which sits ninth (45.2).
One player who could have a decent game on the glass is Boston's Jrue Holiday. Holiday has some size as a 6-foot-4 point guard and is not afraid to mix it inside the paint.
DraftKings lists his rebounding prop at 3.5, and he's averaging 4.3 per game. Holiday also surpassed this projection in six straight games at home and five of his last six meetings against the Knicks.
If we look at his points+rebounds prop of 12.5, he has also cleared that number in four of his last five games and five of six when facing New York.
Lastly, his rebounds+assists prop is available at 6.5, which he has exceeded in six straight home games.
With rebounding clearly a big part of the Celtics' success, Holiday is a likely candidate to put forth a big effort.
Celtics vs Knicks Best Bet
- Celtics -8 (-115)
Same Game Parlay
- Jrue Holiday Over 3.5 Rebounds
- Jrue Holiday Over 12.5 Points + Rebounds
- Jrue Holiday Over 6.5 Rebounds + Assists
Parlay Payout: +194
Celtics vs. Knicks Betting Trends
