The New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The game tips off at 7:30PM ET. Boston is 58-20 and has locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. New York is 50-28 and needs just one more win to secure the No. 3 spot.
Boston has won all three meetings with New York this season. The Celtics won by 23 on opening night, 27 in February, and 13 in their last matchup. Boston has also won seven of the last eight meetings overall. This will be their final regular-season matchup before both teams head to the playoffs.
BOS Preview – Shooting and Depth Leading the Way
Boston leads the league in three-point makes (17.9) and attempts (48.3) per game. The Celtics also rank in the top 10 in scoring, averaging 116.9 points. They’ve gone 32-7 on the road and have won 11 of their last 12 games overall.
Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each average 3.5 threes per game, with Payton Pritchard adding shooting off the bench. Boston scored 124 points in their last game, despite missing Tatum, Porzingis, and several others. They grabbed 25 offensive rebounds, their most in 25 years.
Defensively, Boston ranks ninth in points allowed and second in rebounding. They give up 111.7 points per game. The team is also disciplined with the ball, leading the league in fewest turnovers per game (11.8). If healthy, Boston has one of the deepest rosters in the league heading into the playoffs.
NYK Preview – Balanced Play from Anunoby and Towns
The Knicks are 27-12 at home and have won three straight. OG Anunoby has scored 20 or more in 10 straight games. He had 32 points in the win over Phoenix, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Jalen Brunson returned to the lineup on Sunday, scoring 15 points and adding six assists. Brunson is the Knicks’ floor leader, but Anunoby has stepped up with consistent offense and strong defense. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart add more size and shooting on the wing.
New York ranks ninth in both points scored and points allowed. They also rebound well, ranking sixth overall and second in opponent rebounds allowed. The Knicks are good at limiting free throws and take care of the ball with only 14.4 turnovers per game.
Betting Prediction
Boston has won all three meetings this season by double digits, but injuries to key starters could open the door for New York. If Tatum, Porzingis, or Holiday are limited or sit, the Knicks will have a better shot to compete. New York is also strong at home and playing well on both ends.
Boston is still deeper overall and playing efficient basketball. If the Celtics are near full strength, they should win and could cover a small number. If not, New York has value to keep it close. A projected score could be Celtics 112, Knicks 108.
Pick: Boston Celtics -2.5 over the New York Knicks in this NBA affair on Tuesday night.
Enjoy the game and best of luck with all your NBA betting!
