It will be a battle between Atlantic Division opponents when the New York Knicks (1-1) welcome the Boston Celtics (1-1) to Madison Square Garden. The game gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Boston opened as a 9-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 211.5 points.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Betting Prediction
In the Celtics’ last game, they were topped by the Toronto Raptors, 113-101, and were not able to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (214) finished just over the projected point total of 211.5. Toronto’s 0.152 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Boston, who had a mark of 0.071. Boston’s Al Horford put together a good performance, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The Knicks lost a close one to the Brooklyn Nets in their last matchup, 107-105, but were able to cover as 4-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (212) came in under the O/U total of 216.5. Brooklyn’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over New York. The Nets had a rate of 33.3, while the Knicks posted a mark of 21.8. With 29 points and 10 rebounds, Enes Kanter had a solid game for New York.
The ineffective offense of New York will clash against the elite defense of Boston. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Knicks rank 22nd in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are first in defensive efficiency. The Celtics figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
The Celtics have had records of 56-28 straight up (SU) and 52-47-2 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Boston games since last season with 49 unders compared to 46 overs.
On the other hand, the Knicks, are 30-54 SU and 43-40 ATS since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of New York games over that same stretch with 43 unders compared to 40 overs.
The Celtics won three out of four contests against the Knicks last season. In the last matchup, Boston won 121-112. The Celtics made 24 of their 28 free throws (85.7 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 11.8).
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks Free Pick
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
New York is 15-4 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Boston is 43-7.
The Knicks are 29-31 when they reach the century mark, while the Celtics are 52-16.
Boston ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while New York ranks 24th (13.1).
The Celtics rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while the Knicks rank 29th (23.5).
New York ranks ninth in points in the paint per game (46.7) while Boston ranks 29th (40.0).
The Celtics rank third in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Knicks rank 22nd (8.1).
Boston ranks third in assists allowed per game (21.2) while New York ranks 21st (23.9).
The Knicks average 44.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Celtics rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
Boston ranks fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.6) while New York ranks 11th (11.4).
The Knicks rank 23rd in points off turnovers per game (15.4) while the Celtics rank 25th (15.1).
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