Beantown versus the Big Apple is always a special occasion, regardless of the sport. On Saturday night, the Celtics visit the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
One of the great rivalries in the NBA is renewed on Saturday as the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics bring their enviable win-loss tally to Manhattan to take on the new-look Knicks. Both teams were in action on Thursday evening, the first night of games post-All Star match. Boston trounced the Chicago Bulls 129-112 while the Knicks left Philly with a 110-96 victory over the 76ers.
The NBA odds predict that the Boston Celtics shall emerge victorious, pinning them at -6.5 against the spread.
Celtics vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds
It’s at times like these that one realizes how quickly the NBA regular season clicks along. Saturday is already the fourth meeting of the current campaign between the Atlantic Division foes. The Knicks will aim to avoid the season sweep. Boston took the last two at home, with the very first being the season curtain-raiser for both sides back in October. Incidentally, that game in New York was a push. The last time to Knicks downed the Celtics at home was almost a year ago, on February 27, 2023.
Betters who consider the Celtics as a good prop against the spread should think twice. The name of the game in Boston is to win, but not necessarily by as many points as predicted by the oddsmakers. Consider that the club’s straight-up record is a mesmerizing 44-12 yet only 26-27-3 ATS. They have, however, covered twice in a row and the game before that was a push. Boston is ranked fifth in both points scored per game (120.8) and points conceded (110.6).
The Knicks are no slouches on the defensive end either, although one supposes that comes with the territory when Tom Thibodeau is head coach. New York allows only 109.7 points a match, good for third in the NBA. The under is often a safer bet with them, as evidenced by the over’s poor 23-33 record. New York is also slightly more dependable against the spread with a 30-24-2 tally to show for their efforts.
Boston Celtics
Things generally go well for the Celtics when they contend with the Chicago Bulls. On Thursday night, apart from a brief scare involving a possible Kristaps Porzingis injury, it was business as usual.
Chicago did what it’s done all season and most of last year: show some skill and fight in short spurts but overall not measure up to the competition. Boston thoroughly outclassed their opponents in this game. The Bulls had a chance to make it interesting when they performed a second quarter comeback to take a slight lead at the half, but the Celtics hammered them from the outset in the third period. Luke Kornet was greatly involved while Porzingis spent time on the bench after getting banged up. Kornet made five baskets, each one a flush. Derrick White led the side with 28 points, with Tatum and Brown not far behind, tallying 25 and 21, respectively. All in all, the 129-112 final was indicative of the sort of match it was. Defence in the paint was a slight concern (they gave up 50) but when the Celtics score at will, it almost doesn’t matter.
New York Knicks
Thursday’s matchup in Philadelphia was a deceiving one for the Knicks. Joel Embiid remains out for the 76ers, but on the flip side, the club brought out new signings Kyle Lowry and Buddy Hield.
New York did not fall into the trap, although Philly made it interesting in the third quarter. The fourth was one of the more unique quarters in the NBA this year, with the Knicks winning it 19-15, an abnormally low score in the modern game. New York had a shiny new weapon of its own in the shape of former Piston Bojan Bogdanovic. He showed his worth, going a perfect 6-for-6 from deep (22 points). It was an even keel attack, as Jalen Brunson finished with 21, Precious Achiuwa and Josh Hart 18, and Donte DiVincenzo 16.
Julius Randle and OG Anunoby remain out.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. Knicks?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 23 Feb 11:50pm | NY | -6.5 -110 | O +223.5 -110 |
| Closing 25 Feb 3:28am | NY | -6.5 -110 | O +229.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
| Points |
26.85 |
| Assists |
5.16 |
| Rebounds |
8.12 |
| FG% |
70 |
| Steals |
1.19 |
| Blocks |
1.95 |
| Points |
28.73 |
| Assists |
6.74 |
| Rebounds |
9.2 |
| FG% |
69.1 |
| Steals |
1.74 |
| Blocks |
1.14 |
| Points |
25 |
| Assists |
6.26 |
| Rebounds |
9.68 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.21 |
| Blocks |
1.57 |
| Points |
32.38 |
| Assists |
7.46 |
| Rebounds |
11.54 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.23 |
| Blocks |
1.33 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
| Points |
26.85 |
| Assists |
5.16 |
| Rebounds |
8.12 |
| FG% |
70 |
| Steals |
1.19 |
| Blocks |
1.95 |
| Points |
28.73 |
| Assists |
6.74 |
| Rebounds |
9.2 |
| FG% |
69.1 |
| Steals |
1.74 |
| Blocks |
1.14 |
| Points |
25 |
| Assists |
6.26 |
| Rebounds |
9.68 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.21 |
| Blocks |
1.57 |
| Points |
32.38 |
| Assists |
7.46 |
| Rebounds |
11.54 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.23 |
| Blocks |
1.33 |
Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Luke Kornet (C)
Xavier Tillman (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Al Horford (C)
Josh Hart (SG)
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Josh Hart (SG)
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Mitchell Robinson (C)
Mitchell Robinson (C)
Jericho Sims (C)
Jericho Sims (C)
Bojan Bogdanovic (SF)
Mitchell Robinson (C)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Mon | Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 | 1-1 | 0-3 | + - |
|
Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Ques Thurs | Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 | 2-2 | 0-5 | + - |
|
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
| Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Mon | Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
| Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
| Xavier Tillman (PF) | Ques Sat | Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 | 3-5 | 4-5 | + - |
|
Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 | 4-7 | 5-7 | + - |
|
Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Thur | Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 | 8-7 | 7-9 | + - |
|
Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Sat | Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 | 9-8 | 9-10 | + - |
|
Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Al Horford (C) | Prob Sun | Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 | 10-9 | 11-10 | + - |
|
Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hart (SG) | Prob Sun | Abdominal - 19 / 05 / 24 | 0-1 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Hart is battling an abdominal strain, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers. |
|||||
| O.G. Anunoby (SF) | Out Sun | Hamstring - 19 / 05 / 24 | 0-1 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Anunoby has a hamstring injury, and he will not suit up against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Josh Hart (SG) | Prob Sun | Abdominal - 18 / 05 / 24 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Hart is battling an abdominal soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers. |
|||||
| O.G. Anunoby (SF) | Ques Sun | Hamstring - 08 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Anunoby missed the last game dealing with a left hamstring strain, and its is unclear if he will take part against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Mitchell Robinson (C) | out for season | Ankle - 07 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Robinson is likely to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a stress injury to his left ankle. |
|||||
| Mitchell Robinson (C) | Prob Thurs | Ankle - 01 / 05 / 24 | 4-4 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will be a participant in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Jericho Sims (C) | Ques Wed | Shoulder - 01 / 05 / 24 | 4-4 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Sims is battling right shoulder inflammation, and it is uncertain if he will take the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pacers. |
|||||
| Jericho Sims (C) | Prob Tues | Shoulder - 29 / 04 / 24 | 5-4 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Sims is tending to right shoulder inflammation, but he is expected to take on the 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Bojan Bogdanovic (SF) | out for season | Wrist - 28 / 04 / 24 | 5-5 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Bogdanovic will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season after having surgery to repair injuries to his left foot and left wrist. |
|||||
| Mitchell Robinson (C) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 24 / 04 / 24 | 5-6 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will be a participant in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 23 Feb 11:50pm NY -6.5 -110 O +223.5 -110 Closing 25 Feb 3:28am NY -6.5 -110 O +229.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 28.73
Assists 6.74
Rebounds 9.2
FG% 69.1
Steals 1.74
Blocks 1.14
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
Points 32.38
Assists 7.46
Rebounds 11.54
FG% 100
Steals 1.23
Blocks 1.33
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 28.73
Assists 6.74
Rebounds 9.2
FG% 69.1
Steals 1.74
Blocks 1.14
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
Points 32.38
Assists 7.46
Rebounds 11.54
FG% 100
Steals 1.23
Blocks 1.33
-
Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24Xavier Tillman (PF)
Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24Al Horford (C)
Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24Josh Hart (SG)
Prob Sun Abdominal - 19 / 05 / 24O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Out Sun Hamstring - 19 / 05 / 24Josh Hart (SG)
Prob Sun Abdominal - 18 / 05 / 24O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Ques Sun Hamstring - 08 / 05 / 24Mitchell Robinson (C)
out for season Ankle - 07 / 05 / 24Mitchell Robinson (C)
Prob Thurs Ankle - 01 / 05 / 24Jericho Sims (C)
Ques Wed Shoulder - 01 / 05 / 24Jericho Sims (C)
Prob Tues Shoulder - 29 / 04 / 24Bojan Bogdanovic (SF)
out for season Wrist - 28 / 04 / 24Mitchell Robinson (C)
Prob Tues Ankle - 24 / 04 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 1-1 0-3 + - Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 2-2 0-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Xavier Tillman (PF) Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 3-5 4-5 + - Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 4-7 5-7 + - Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 8-7 7-9 + - Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 9-8 9-10 + - Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Al Horford (C) Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 10-9 11-10 + - Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Josh Hart (SG) Prob Sun Abdominal - 19 / 05 / 24 0-1 1-0 + - Hart is battling an abdominal strain, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers.
O.G. Anunoby (SF) Out Sun Hamstring - 19 / 05 / 24 0-1 1-0 + - Anunoby has a hamstring injury, and he will not suit up against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Josh Hart (SG) Prob Sun Abdominal - 18 / 05 / 24 1-1 1-1 + - Hart is battling an abdominal soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Sunday's game against the Pacers.
O.G. Anunoby (SF) Ques Sun Hamstring - 08 / 05 / 24 3-3 3-3 + - Anunoby missed the last game dealing with a left hamstring strain, and its is unclear if he will take part against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Mitchell Robinson (C) out for season Ankle - 07 / 05 / 24 3-3 3-3 + - Robinson is likely to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a stress injury to his left ankle.
Mitchell Robinson (C) Prob Thurs Ankle - 01 / 05 / 24 4-4 5-3 + - Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will be a participant in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
Jericho Sims (C) Ques Wed Shoulder - 01 / 05 / 24 4-4 5-3 + - Sims is battling right shoulder inflammation, and it is uncertain if he will take the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pacers.
Jericho Sims (C) Prob Tues Shoulder - 29 / 04 / 24 5-4 5-4 + - Sims is tending to right shoulder inflammation, but he is expected to take on the 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Bojan Bogdanovic (SF) out for season Wrist - 28 / 04 / 24 5-5 6-4 + - Bogdanovic will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season after having surgery to repair injuries to his left foot and left wrist.
Mitchell Robinson (C) Prob Tues Ankle - 24 / 04 / 24 5-6 6-5 + - Robinson is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will be a participant in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.