The Boston Celtics (1-1), 9-point favorites, will be at Madison Square Garden to meet the New York Knicks (1-1) in an Atlantic Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 211.5 points and it begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Knicks (4-point underdogs) were defeated by the Brooklyn Nets, 107-105, while the Celtics (4.5-point underdogs) fell to the Toronto Raptors, 113-101. The New York game went 4.5 points under the projected point total of 216.5, while the Boston game went 2.5 points over the projected point total of 211.5.
Boston had a better offensive rebounding percentage (30.2 vs. 26.7) while New York had a much better turnover percentage (2.8 vs. 20.5). Enes Kanter played well for New York, recording 29 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Boston was led by Al Horford, who had 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The ineffective offense of New York will clash against the elite defense of Boston. Since 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. A little over half of Boston games have finished under the O/U total since last season.
On the other hand, the Knicks, are 30-54 SU and 43-40 ATS since last season. A little over half of New York’s games have finished under the projected point total over that same stretch.
The Celtics held the advantage in this series last year, winning three out of four games. In the last matchup, Boston won 121-112. Boston made good use of their 28 trips to the free throw line, making 24 of them (85.7 percent). New York, meanwhile, was 16-20 (80.0 percent).
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Knicks rank 23rd in points off turnovers per game (15.4) while the Celtics rank 25th (15.1).
- Boston ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while New York ranks 24th (13.1).
- 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).
- Boston ranks fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.6) while New York ranks 11th (11.4).
- The Celtics rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while the Knicks rank 29th (23.5).
- 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).
- New York ranks ninth in points in the paint per game (46.7) while Boston ranks 29th (40.0).
- When allowing less than 100 points, New York is 15-4 and Boston is 43-7.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Knicks are 29-31 and the Celtics are 52-16.
