New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Free Prediction

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The league’s top shooting defense will be a 12.5-point favorite at home in TD Garden, when the Boston Celtics (13-10) go head-to-head against the New York Knicks (8-17). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217.5 points and it can be seen on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

New York Knicks at Boston Celtics ATS Odds

The Celtics will look to maintain momentum after topping the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, 118-109, as 1.5-point underdogs. The Knicks, meanwhile, were topped by the Washington Wizards, 110-107, and failed to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. The Boston game went 11 points over the projected point total of 216, while the New York game finished 12 points under the projected point total of 229.

The Celtics, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.515, had a superb mark of 0.571 and had a better turnover percentage (12.9 vs. 14.3). New York, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (21-28; 75.0 percent). Boston was lifted by Gordon Hayward, who finished with 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Enes Kanter played a pivotal role for New York with 13 points and 16 rebounds.

The Knicks had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 117-109 win, to even the season series at one. Trey Burke recorded a double-double with 29 points and 11 assists. New York’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Boston. The Knicks had a rate of 0.579 while the Celtics posted a mark of 0.443. New York covered as a 15-point underdog and the two teams combined to put up 226 points, which was over the projected point total of 215.5.

Of the Knicks’ 25 games, 13 have finished over the O/U total. New York has a respectable 14-10-1 record against the spread (ATS), despite being 8-17 straight up (SU).

Celtics games have typically finished over the O/U total (56.5 percent). Further, Boston is 13-10 SU and 10-13 ATS.

From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Boston should have a significant advantage. The Celtics defense ranks fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.500), while the New York offense is ranked 28th in effective field goal percentage (0.493).

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics rank 5 in steals allowed per game (6.956521739130435) while the Knicks rank 9 (7.36).
  • Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while New York ranks 27th (6.8).
  • The Celtics rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.1) while the Knicks rank 23rd (18.1).
  • Boston ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (36.0) while New York ranks 23rd (29.2).
  • Boston averages 45.78260869565217 rebounds per game, which ranks 13 in the NBA. New York ranks 22 in rebounds allowed per game (46.2).
  • The Celtics rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.3) while the Knicks rank 28th (51.7).
  • The Knicks rank 4 in second chance points per game (15.36) while the Celtics rank 22 (12.347826086956522).
  • Boston ranks 5 in fast break points allowed per game (11.08695652173913) while New York ranks 8 (12.2).
  • Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.7) while New York ranks 27th (25.5).
  • New York is 2-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Boston is 6-2.
  • The Knicks are 8-13 when they score above 100 points, while the Celtics are 13-7.
  • New York is 8-6 ATS on the road, while Boston is 5-4 ATS at home.
  • The Knicks have 8 overs and 6 unders in 14 road games.
  • The Celtics have 5 overs and 4 unders in 9 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Knicks are 3-2.
  • In their last five games, Boston has 4 overs and 1 under, while New York has 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Celtics\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 4.4 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.8 points per game (0.4 above their season average).