It will be a battle between Atlantic Division opponents when the New York Knicks (16-14) welcome the Boston Celtics (26-8) to Madison Square Garden. The game can be seen on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Free Prediction
The last time the Celtics played, they were beaten by the Miami Heat, 90-89. Miami’s 13.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Boston, who had a mark of 11.1. The Heat’s mark was below their season average of 18.7, while the Celtics’ was below their season average of 21.3. Kyrie Irving was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 11-for-24 shooting.
The Knicks lost big to the Charlotte Hornets in their last outing, 109-91. Charlotte’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over New York. The Hornets had a rate of 30.8 (above their season average of 22.4), while the Knicks posted a mark of 22.2. New York’s Michael Beasley had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 23 points on 9-for-20 shooting.
New York might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the league’s best defenses. Boston currently ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Knicks rank 12th in offensive efficiency.
Boston comes into the game with records of 26-8 straight up (SU) and 21-10-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Celtics games, with 17 overs compared to 16 unders.
Meanwhile, New York is 16-14 SU and 17-13 ATS. There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Knicks in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Knicks lost 110-89, unable to cover as 7-point underdogs. Enes Kanter recorded 16 points and 19 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 199 points, which was 9 points below the projected point total of 208 points. The Celtics knocked down 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.587 vs. 0.429).
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Boston is 12-5 ATS with 9 unders and 8 overs.
New York is 14-5 ATS at home with 10 overs and 9 unders.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, New York is 7-0 and Boston is 18-1.
The Celtics are 19-3 when they reach the century mark, while the Knicks are 15-6.
Boston ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (26.6) while New York ranks last (32.4).
The Celtics rank seventh in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while the Knicks rank 28th (19.9).
New York ranks 10th in points in the paint per game (46.1) while Boston ranks 29th (39.1).
The Celtics rank seventh in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Knicks rank 25th (8.4).
New York ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.5) while Boston ranks 22nd (11.1).
The Celtics rank third in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while the Knicks rank 20th (5.1).
New York ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (40.3) while Boston ranks 14th (43.0).
The Celtics rank 17th in fast break points per game (10.1) while the Knicks rank 29th (6.1).
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.3) while New York ranks 16th (22.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
New York is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 5.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 107.4 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
