The first Atlantic Division showdown between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics this season is set for Sunday, January 17, so I bring you the best betting pick and tips along with the latest odds update on Sugarhouse Sportsbook.
The Knicks are still without Frank Ntilikina (knee) and Alec Burks (ankle). On the other side, the Celtics will miss Jayson Tatum (COVID-19) and Robert Williams (COVID-19), while Kemba Walker (knee) and Daniel Theis (finger) are listed as questionable.
New York is in crisis
The New York Knicks (5-8; 5-8 ATS) are riding a five-game losing streak following a 106-103 defeat at the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Friday. During their skid, the Knicks were scoring only 95.6 points per contest, showing plenty of flaws in their offensive game.
New York has the third-worst offensive rating in the NBA this term, tallying 104.9 points per 100 possessions. The Knicks are 25th in the league in assists (22.9) and 24th in turnovers per 100 possessions (15.7).
Julius Randle is the Knicks’ key player, averaging the team-high 23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. However, only three more guys average points in double figures including sophomore R.J. Barrett (16.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG), while the Knicks take the fewest 3-point attempts per game (27.2).
Boston is back in action
The Boston Celtics (8-3; 7-4 ATS) returned from a three-game pause last Friday, dismantling the Orlando Magic 124-97 as 4-point home favorites. They shot 51.1% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc while allowing Orlando to make just 40.4% of their field goals along with a paltry 14 assists.
The Celtics had to postpone three straight contests due to the COVID-19, and after that emphatic win to the Magic, they are rolling on a five-game winning streak.
With Jayson Tatum (26.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG) on the shelf, look for Jaylen Brown (25.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG) and Marcus Smart (12.4 PPG, 6.0 APG) to pick up the slack. Boston has the sixth-best offensive rating (114.0) and the 15th-best defensive rating in the league (109.9). The Celtics shoot 48.3% from the field (6th in the NBA) and 39.4% from downtown (5th).
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”nba/celtics” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Trends:
New York:
- 0-5 ATS in the last five games overall
- 5-9-1 ATS in the last 15 games against Boston
Boston:
- 4-1 ATS in the last five games overall
- 5-1 ATS in the last six games at home
- 4-1 ATS in the last five tilts against Eastern Conference
The Winner Prediction
The Celtics haven’t impressed defensively thus far, though they’ve managed to shut down the hapless Magic last time out. The Knicks will stand a chance if they find a way to execute well offensively, but the visitors will have to bring their best defensive game, too.
I cannot bet on a team that is 0-5 SU and ATS in its last five outings. The Celtics will focus their D on Julius Randle, so the Knicks will have to look for some other options, and that doesn’t promise a lot from this point of view.
Pick: Take Boston -8.0 at -110
The Total:
As I’ve mentioned, the Knicks have averaged just 95.6 points through their last five outings, failing to surpass a 90-point mark three times in that span. The total has gone under in eight of their last ten contests, while three of the Celtics’ previous six games went in the under.
The Celtics record exactly 100 possessions per 48 minutes. The Knicks, on the other side, play at the slowest pace in the NBA, tallying 96.3 possessions per 48 minutes. Therefore, betting on the under is a logical choice here.
Pick: Go under 211.5 points at -110