Can The Celtics Finally Cover A Game Against the Knicks on Monday?
Knicks vs Celtics NBA Odds Tighter Than Expected
The New York Knicks will take on the Boston Celtics for the second time this NBA season. New York is playing its second game in as many days after a 129-107 win against the Hornets on Sunday.
The Knicks are 5-4 on the season after winning three straight games. However, they’re taking on a Celtics team that has only lost two games this season. Both losses were by no more than four points, so the Celtics will be challenging in this one.
That’s why the Celtics are listed as -8.5 favorites, with the total sitting at 221. (opening Numbers)
In October, the Knicks lost to the Celtics at home, 108-104. New York showed some potential against Boston. Can the Knicks keep the score close again?
Let’s look at the Knicks vs Celtics NBA odds to start the new week.
 New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics 
Day/Time:
Location: TD Garden
Streaming: NBA TV
Knicks vs Celtics NBA Odds
The Knicks have won more times against the spread this season. They’re sitting at 5-2-2 against the spread but have hit the Under in six of their first ten games.
While the Knicks are 2-2 on the road, the Celtics are 4-0 at home. Boston’s hit the Over in four of nine games this season. But they’ve also pushed twice and hit the Under in three of nine games this year.
Unlike the Knicks, the Celtics have nailed the Over in five of nine games this season.
In late October, the Knicks were 4-point underdogs against the Celtics. The game was a push, with the Knicks losing that game by four.
But before that pro basketball matchup, the Knicks defeated the Celtics as underdogs in three straight games. The Knicks earned a road win in late January against Boston as 8.5-point underdogs. Then, in February, the Knicks earned a 109-94 win as two-point dogs. Finally, in early March, the Knicks won 131-129 overtime against the Celtics as 6.5-point underdogs.
The Knicks haven’t lost against the spread to the Celtics since November 5, 2022.
Why Did The Knicks Allow Randle To Start The Season?
Julius Randle doesn’t always give the most effort on the court. But he’s put up some really good stat lines as a member of the Knicks throughout his career.
Randle hasn’t looked the same this year. He’s third on the team in scoring but has scored at least 23 points in each of his last three games.
Randle has finally started to put up his typical numbers. But we feel Randle’s slow start could’ve been avoided had the Knicks sat him and waited for him to become 100%.
The New York Post reported he started the season at 70%. But it sounds like Randle didn’t want to begin the season on the bench. Everyone loves a good teammate, but it’s not worth trying to play if he can’t provide his usual production.
Boston’s Still The Best Team In The East
At 7-2 on the season, the Celtics are chilling with the Philadelphia 76ers for the conference lead in the East.
The Celtics rank in the top ten in total offense and defense and have the most stacked lineup in the NBA.
Maybe other NBA teams have more notable names on the roster and in their starting lineup. But the Celtics have a group of healthy NBA players who never complain. It goes a long way.
Compare Boston’s situation to Phoenix and the Clippers.
While Boston might not have the most complete depth, they can always add to their bench depth at the NBA Trade Deadline.
For now, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis will lead the Celtics to the top of the NBA standings and into the NBA playoffs again.
Below, we’ll provide the Knicks vs Celtics NBA odds and some over under betting tips for this NBA rivalry matchup.
Boston’s Defense Is Playing Lights Out!
The Celtics have held teams to 103.6 points per 100 possessions while allowing a 49.8% effective field goal percentage.
Boston is in the top five in those categories, holding teams to 23.5% offensive rebounds. Beyond that, opponents have the lowest free throw rate against the Celtics this season.
The Celtics haven’t allowed quality looks while dominating the glass and avoiding fouling. This type of play wins championships.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have shot an effective field goal percentage of 48.9% while scoring only 110.3 points per 100 possessions.
The Knicks won’t turn the ball over at a high rate, but scoring the basketball will still be challenging.
On the other hand, the Knicks have held teams to 105.9 points per 100 possessions to begin the season. Teams have shot a 53.3% effective field goal percentage and have struggled to earn rebounds against the Knicks this year.
New York has held teams to under 20% offensive rebounds this season.
While the Celtics have been much more efficient offensively, the Knicks will make it hard for Boston to score and earn second chances. New York has also been in the top ten in free throw rate defensively.
When looking at today’s NBA scores, you’ll likely see a low-scoring game between the Celtics and Knicks. The NBA odds are screaming under.
Therefore, we’ll back the Under 221 (-110) for this Eastern Conference showdown.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
