With leading scorer Jayson Tatum out due to COVID-19 protocols, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with a game-high 21 points in Boston's 124-97 win over Orlando on Friday.
Two teams riding opposite streaks are set to go head-to-head when the New York Knicks, owning the longest active losing streak in the Eastern Conference, head to Boston on Sunday afternoon to face a Celtics team with the longest active winning streak in the Eastern Conference.
Boston is favoured by 7-points on the NBA odds with the total set at 211.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Knicks have been basement dwellers in the NBA for the last several seasons and haven’t made the playoffs in six years. Boston swept all three games of the season series, last year, winning once at home and twice in Madison Square Garden.
New York’s offence has been terrible this year and it shows. The Knicks haven’t covered in their last five games and they haven’t hit the over in eight of their last 10 games. They’re 5-8 against the spread for the year and have only hit the over four times in 13 games.
The Celtics have had their longtime rival’s number for a while now, with Boston winning eight of their last 10 home games against the Knicks. Sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, the Celtics have covered in five of their last six games at TD Garden and they’re 7-4 ATS, this season.
New York Knicks
In the midst of a five game losing streak New York’s most recent loss came from the only team in the NBA that scores less than the Knicks. Averaging 101 points per game, the Knicks dropped a 106-103 decision on Friday to a Cleveland Cavaliers team that averages just 99.5 points per game. Julius Randle finished with 28 points, six rebounds and six assists, while rookie Immanuel Quickley had 23 points and RJ Barrett contributed 20 points. Randle leads the Knicks in all major offensive categories this season, with 23.2 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game and 6.7 assists per game.
Boston Celtics
After a weeklong absence due to COVID-19 protocols, the Celtics returned to action on Friday, laying a 124-97 beat down on the Orlando Magic, for Boston’s fifth straight win. Without leading scorer Jayson Tatum in the lineup, six Celtic’s player hit double-digit points, including Jaylen Brown (21), Semi Ojeleye (18), Jeff Teague (17), Payton Pritchard (16), Marcus Smart (14) and Javonte Green (10). Tatum, who is averaging 26.9 points per game, is under quarantine and likely won’t be back until late next week.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Knicks vs. Celtics?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 16 Jan 8:42pm | NY | -7 -111 | O +211 -110 |
| Closing 17 Jan 5:32pm | NY | -7.5 -110 | O +210.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
| Points |
24.11 |
| Assists |
6.01 |
| Rebounds |
10.2 |
| FG% |
71.4 |
| Steals |
1.13 |
| Blocks |
2.2 |
| Points |
26.44 |
| Assists |
5.69 |
| Rebounds |
8.13 |
| FG% |
72.4 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1.75 |
| Points |
19.4 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.6 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.6 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
30.6 |
| Assists |
6 |
| Rebounds |
9.8 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.2 |
| Blocks |
3 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
| Points |
24.11 |
| Assists |
6.01 |
| Rebounds |
10.2 |
| FG% |
71.4 |
| Steals |
1.13 |
| Blocks |
2.2 |
| Points |
26.44 |
| Assists |
5.69 |
| Rebounds |
8.13 |
| FG% |
72.4 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1.75 |
| Points |
19.4 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.6 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.6 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
30.6 |
| Assists |
6 |
| Rebounds |
9.8 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.2 |
| Blocks |
3 |
Injuries
Nerlens Noel (C)
Nerlens Noel (C)
Reggie Bullock (SG)
Derrick Rose (PG)
Immanuel Quickley (SG)
Alec Burks (SG)
Alec Burks (SG)
Norvel Pelle (C)
Nerlens Noel (C)
Taj Gibson (PF)
Kemba Walker (PG)
Robert Williams III (C)
Kemba Walker (PG)
Robert Williams III (C)
Robert Williams III (C)
Kemba Walker (PG)
Evan Fournier (SG)
Kemba Walker (PG)
Tristan Thompson (C)
Evan Fournier (SG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerlens Noel (C) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hawks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Nerlens Noel (C) | Ques Wed | Ankle - 24 / 05 / 21 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
|
Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, it is unknown if he will face the Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Reggie Bullock (SG) | Prob Thurs | Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 | 4-5 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Bullock is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Thursday's clash with the Spurs. |
|||||
| Derrick Rose (PG) | Prob Sat | Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 | 4-5 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Rose missed the last contest due to to a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hornets on Saturday. |
|||||
| Immanuel Quickley (SG) | Ques Thurs | Ankle - 06 / 05 / 21 | 5-7 | 4-8 | + - |
|
Quickley has missed the last three games due to a left ankle sprain, and it is unclear if he will be available Thursday versus the Spurs. |
|||||
| Alec Burks (SG) | Prob Thurs | Knee - 06 / 05 / 21 | 5-7 | 4-8 | + - |
|
Burks has sat out the previous three games with a left knee contusion, but it is projected that he will suit up Thursday versus the Spurs. |
|||||
| Alec Burks (SG) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Burks was removed from the previous game with an ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will play against the Nuggets on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Norvel Pelle (C) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Pelle is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Wednesday's battle with the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Nerlens Noel (C) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 03 / 05 / 21 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Noel missed the last game with a sprained left ankle, but it is likely that he will be available Wednesday versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Taj Gibson (PF) | Ques Sat | Eye - 21 / 04 / 21 | 10-8 | 8-10 | + - |
|
Gibson exited the last game with a lacerated right eyelid, and it is unknown if he will line up against the Raptors on Saturday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kemba Walker (PG) | Out Tues | Knee - 29 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 3-0 | + - |
|
Walker is bothered by left knee soreness, and he will not dress for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Nets. |
|||||
| Robert Williams III (C) | Out Tues | Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 3-0 | + - |
|
Williams III is nursing a left ankle sprain, and he will not take on the Nets in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kemba Walker (PG) | Prob Fri | Knee - 27 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 3-0 | + - |
|
Walker is managing a left knee medial bone contusion, but it is likely that he will take the court to face the Nets in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Robert Williams III (C) | Prob Tues | Toe - 24 / 05 / 21 | 1-3 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Williams III is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round despite left foot turf toe. |
|||||
| Robert Williams III (C) | Prob Sat | Toe - 19 / 05 / 21 | 2-3 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Williams is bothered by left foot turf toe, but it is projected that he will be available versus the Nets in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kemba Walker (PG) | Ques Tues | Neck - 16 / 05 / 21 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Walker is nursing left cervical nerve irritation, and it is up in the air if he will take the court for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In against the Wizards. |
|||||
| Evan Fournier (SG) | Prob Tues | Knee - 16 / 05 / 21 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Fournier is bothered by a right knee injury, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In versus the Wizards. |
|||||
| Kemba Walker (PG) | Out Sat | Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 | 3-4 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Walker will not take on the Timberwolves on Saturday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Tristan Thompson (C) | Prob Tues | Pectoral - 14 / 05 / 21 | 3-4 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Thompson is tending to a left pectoral strain, but it is projected that he will dress versus the Wizards for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In. |
|||||
| Evan Fournier (SG) | Prob Sat | Knee - 14 / 05 / 21 | 3-4 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Fournier is bothered by a right knee hyper flexion, but he is expected to face the Timberwolves on Saturday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 16 Jan 8:42pm NY -7 -111 O +211 -110 Closing 17 Jan 5:32pm NY -7.5 -110 O +210.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
Points 24.11
Assists 6.01
Rebounds 10.2
FG% 71.4
Steals 1.13
Blocks 2.2
Points 26.44
Assists 5.69
Rebounds 8.13
FG% 72.4
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1.75
Points 19.4
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.6
FG% 60
Steals 1.6
Blocks 1
Points 30.6
Assists 6
Rebounds 9.8
FG% 100
Steals 1.2
Blocks 3
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 24.11
Assists 6.01
Rebounds 10.2
FG% 71.4
Steals 1.13
Blocks 2.2
Points 26.44
Assists 5.69
Rebounds 8.13
FG% 72.4
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1.75
Points 19.4
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.6
FG% 60
Steals 1.6
Blocks 1
Points 30.6
Assists 6
Rebounds 9.8
FG% 100
Steals 1.2
Blocks 3
-
Injuries
Nerlens Noel (C)
Prob Fri Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21Nerlens Noel (C)
Ques Wed Ankle - 24 / 05 / 21Reggie Bullock (SG)
Prob Thurs Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21Derrick Rose (PG)
Prob Sat Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21Immanuel Quickley (SG)
Ques Thurs Ankle - 06 / 05 / 21Alec Burks (SG)
Prob Thurs Knee - 06 / 05 / 21Alec Burks (SG)
Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21Norvel Pelle (C)
Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21Nerlens Noel (C)
Prob Wed Ankle - 03 / 05 / 21Taj Gibson (PF)
Ques Sat Eye - 21 / 04 / 21Kemba Walker (PG)
Out Tues Knee - 29 / 05 / 21Robert Williams III (C)
Out Tues Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21Kemba Walker (PG)
Prob Fri Knee - 27 / 05 / 21Robert Williams III (C)
Prob Tues Toe - 24 / 05 / 21Robert Williams III (C)
Prob Sat Toe - 19 / 05 / 21Kemba Walker (PG)
Ques Tues Neck - 16 / 05 / 21Evan Fournier (SG)
Prob Tues Knee - 16 / 05 / 21Kemba Walker (PG)
Out Sat Rest - 14 / 05 / 21Tristan Thompson (C)
Prob Tues Pectoral - 14 / 05 / 21Evan Fournier (SG)
Prob Sat Knee - 14 / 05 / 21Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Nerlens Noel (C) Prob Fri Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hawks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Nerlens Noel (C) Ques Wed Ankle - 24 / 05 / 21 1-3 1-3 + - Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, it is unknown if he will face the Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Reggie Bullock (SG) Prob Thurs Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 4-5 2-7 + - Bullock is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Thursday's clash with the Spurs.
Derrick Rose (PG) Prob Sat Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 4-5 2-7 + - Rose missed the last contest due to to a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hornets on Saturday.
Immanuel Quickley (SG) Ques Thurs Ankle - 06 / 05 / 21 5-7 4-8 + - Quickley has missed the last three games due to a left ankle sprain, and it is unclear if he will be available Thursday versus the Spurs.
Alec Burks (SG) Prob Thurs Knee - 06 / 05 / 21 5-7 4-8 + - Burks has sat out the previous three games with a left knee contusion, but it is projected that he will suit up Thursday versus the Spurs.
Alec Burks (SG) Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 6-7 5-8 + - Burks was removed from the previous game with an ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will play against the Nuggets on Wednesday.
Norvel Pelle (C) Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 6-7 5-8 + - Pelle is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Wednesday's battle with the Nuggets.
Nerlens Noel (C) Prob Wed Ankle - 03 / 05 / 21 6-7 5-8 + - Noel missed the last game with a sprained left ankle, but it is likely that he will be available Wednesday versus the Nuggets.
Taj Gibson (PF) Ques Sat Eye - 21 / 04 / 21 10-8 8-10 + - Gibson exited the last game with a lacerated right eyelid, and it is unknown if he will line up against the Raptors on Saturday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kemba Walker (PG) Out Tues Knee - 29 / 05 / 21 1-2 3-0 + - Walker is bothered by left knee soreness, and he will not dress for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Nets.
Robert Williams III (C) Out Tues Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21 1-2 3-0 + - Williams III is nursing a left ankle sprain, and he will not take on the Nets in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Kemba Walker (PG) Prob Fri Knee - 27 / 05 / 21 1-2 3-0 + - Walker is managing a left knee medial bone contusion, but it is likely that he will take the court to face the Nets in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Robert Williams III (C) Prob Tues Toe - 24 / 05 / 21 1-3 3-1 + - Williams III is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round despite left foot turf toe.
Robert Williams III (C) Prob Sat Toe - 19 / 05 / 21 2-3 3-2 + - Williams is bothered by left foot turf toe, but it is projected that he will be available versus the Nets in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Kemba Walker (PG) Ques Tues Neck - 16 / 05 / 21 3-3 3-3 + - Walker is nursing left cervical nerve irritation, and it is up in the air if he will take the court for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In against the Wizards.
Evan Fournier (SG) Prob Tues Knee - 16 / 05 / 21 3-3 3-3 + - Fournier is bothered by a right knee injury, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In versus the Wizards.
Kemba Walker (PG) Out Sat Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 3-4 3-4 + - Walker will not take on the Timberwolves on Saturday as he will be given a day of rest.
Tristan Thompson (C) Prob Tues Pectoral - 14 / 05 / 21 3-4 3-4 + - Thompson is tending to a left pectoral strain, but it is projected that he will dress versus the Wizards for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In.
Evan Fournier (SG) Prob Sat Knee - 14 / 05 / 21 3-4 3-4 + - Fournier is bothered by a right knee hyper flexion, but he is expected to face the Timberwolves on Saturday.