The New York Knicks (26-23) and Boston Celtics (35-14) meet Thursday at TD Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Knicks vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Knicks covered the spread as 3.5-point underdogs Tuesday in a 105-103 win vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. F Julius Randle finished with 36 points and 13 rebounds, both game-highs, as New York ended its 4-game skid. The Knicks are 2-4 against the spread (ATS) vs. the Celtics in their last 6 meetings.
Boston failed to cover as a 2.5-point underdog Tuesday in a 98-95 loss at the Miami Heat. F Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 31 points as the Celtics blew a 14-point 2nd-half lead, scoring a season-low 13 points in the 4th quarter. The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in division games.
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Knicks at Celtics odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:05 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Knicks +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Celtics -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +8.5 (-112) | Celtics -8.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Knicks at Celtics key injuries
Knicks
- G Evan Fournier (personal reasons) out
- C Mitchell Robinson (thumb) out
Celtics
- G Marcus Smart (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Knicks at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 117, Knicks 102
Moneyline
PASS.
The Celtics should win, but there is no need to risk more than 3 times your potential profit on the moneyline when Boston should win by margin. Bet the spread or total instead.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -8.5 (-108).
Boston has played well against New York in recent meetings and should have the motivation to win by margin on national television after back-to-back losses. G Jaylen Brown, G Malcolm Brodgon and F Al Horford all being removed from the injury report should set the Celtics up for success vs. a Knicks team that has lost 4 of 5. Lay the points with the Celtics who are almost back to full strength.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 226.5 (-112).
The Under is 4-1 in New York’s last 5 games vs. teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 4-0 in Boston’s last 4 games. These teams play low-scoring games vs. each other in Boston, with the Under hitting in 4 of the last 5 meetings at TD Garden, and Thursday’s matchup should be another low-scoring contest as the Celtics tighten up defensively after back-to-back losses.
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