Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Prediction, NBA Odds
The Celtics return to action looking to atone for their heartbreaking loss to Miami in last season’s Eastern Conference Final while the Knicks look to take the next step after winning 47 games last season, and following up with their first playoff series win in a decade.
The Celtics lead the way as 3.5-point road favourites on the Wednesday NBA odds, while the Knicks are pegged as +140 moneyline underdogs in their bid to claim their second opening night win over Boston in three years. The total is pegged at 225.5.
Celtics vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds
Friday night’s matchup at Madison Square Garden marks the first of four scheduled meetings between these clubs this season. The Knicks held the upper hand last season, claiming victory in the final three of their four dates with Boston including a decisive 109-94 victory when these teams last met on Broadway in late February. With that win, the Knicks improved to 4-1 SU in five home dates with Boston. However, they have covered in just three of their past eight meetings at MSG. Recent clashes between these clubs have tended towards higher scoring, with the total going OVER in six of their past eight.
Boston Celtics
Despite coming within one win of a second straight trip to the NBA Finals, the Celtics kept busy making personnel changes over the offseason. The most notable departures are Marcus Smart, Robert Williams III, and Malcom Brogdon, who made room for new arrivals Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday. While those additions certainly bolster an elite starting lineup led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they come at the cost of important veteran depth on a team with championship aspirations. Indeed, expectations are high, with the Celtics opening their schedule perched alongside the Milwaukee Bucks as +400 co-favourites on the NBA championship odds. What remains to be seen is how long it will take for the new-look Celtics to gel, and whether they can rise to the occasion on Wednesday against a Knicks squad that had their number last season.
New York Knicks
In contrast to the Celtics, the Knicks opted not to tinker with a lineup coming off the team’s second-best regular season performance in a generation. The Knicks made their most notable offseason move when they shipped out Obi Toppin in early July to make room for Donte DiVincenzo, whom they signed to a four-year, $50 million contract. A former college teammate of Jaylen Brunson, DiVincenzo started 36 games for Golden State last season, and compiled 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 72 total appearances. The question now is whether Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart can recreate the magic that led them to a national championship together at Villanova. Judging by the season-opening NBA futures that have them pegged as a lengthy +5000 bet to end a 50-year championship bet, expectations are tempered. However, with the core returning intact, the Knicks offer value to open their schedule with an upset win over a Celtics lineup that is stilling getting to know one another.
BOS
NY