Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

With top spot in the Eastern Conference looking a tall order for reigning NBA champions the Boston Celtics due to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ sensational start, their focus will now be on securing second seeding.

That makes Saturday’s trip to Madison Square Garden a must-win for Joe Mazzulla’s men as they take on the third-placed New York Knicks, who are breathing down their necks having enjoyed a strong season of their own. 

Tom Thibodeau’s side have an impressive 34-17 record - only narrowly worse than the Celtic’s 36-16 - and a raucous MSG could cheer them on to a strong performance against the champions. 

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks betting picks and predictions

New York Knicks +2.5 (-105)

The NBA's curtain-raiser saw these two sides face off back in October and the new-look Knicks, fresh from their blockbuster move for Karl-Anthony Towns, looked disjointed as they were easily swept aside by the champions, who romped to a 132-109 victory. 

However, much has changed since then and, as many expected, New York are beginning to look like genuine contenders. Towns has settled in nicely at MSG and with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges among those enjoying strong seasons, the Knicks are always threatening. 

The Celtics go into the clash as favorites but there could be more value in backing the Knicks, who are 8-2 in their last 10 games, to keep things tight, with a fired-up Madison Square Garden likely to provide an added boost for Thibodeau’s men. 

Boston enjoyed a brilliant night with the ball in October, knocking down a huge 29 three-pointers when beating the Knicks, but they have been far less consistent of late. 

The Celtics lost to the Mavericks, who will still have been reeling following the shock trade of Luka Doncic, last time and look far too short to warrant backing on Saturday. 

Jrue Holiday’s defense will be missed massively against the dangerous Knicks who, having gone 7-1 in their last eight games, are fancied to keep things tight or even secure a win against the champions.

Jalen Brunson over 26.5 points (-110)

With the Celtics’ undisputed best defender, Holiday, out with a shoulder injury, there could be plenty of space for the Knicks’ star man, Brunson, to exploit on Saturday. 

The guard was tipped to challenge for the MVP award this term after a brilliant scoring return in the playoffs last season and, while that has failed to fully materialize, he has hit a strong run of form and looks set to end the campaign with a flourish. 

Brunson opened his season with a 22-point haul against the Celtics but it would be no surprise to see him shatter that tally on Saturday, given he is averaging 27.1 points per game across his last 10 matches. 

The Knicks star racked up a stunning 42 points against the Houston Rockets in his last appearance at MSG and in his last game against another Eastern Conference big boy, he scored 44 against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

That suggests he will relish this clash with the champions and it could pay to back Brunson to rack up the points against the Celtics. 

Josh Hart over 20.5 points & assists (-115)

It is unlikely that Brunson will be the only beneficiary of Holiday’s absence, with Hart also fancied to enjoy a big game for Thibodeau’s side. 

The Knicks star has enjoyed an excellent season and he is averaging the most points per game (14.3) that he has since his time with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2021/22 campaign, when he was putting up 19.9 per match. 

However, while he is capable of racking up the points himself, the greatest development in his game has been his improvement as a playmaker. Prior to this season, Hart’s highest assists per game was just 4.3, yet that figure has risen to 5.8 this term. 

That makes Hart to notch 21 in those two statistics combined an appealing bet, especially when looking at his recent outings. 

When combining points and assists, he has put up figures of 20, 37, 24 and 21 in his last four games, and he is fancied to maintain his strong form against the Celtics. 

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Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks odds

Boston Celtics	-150
New York Knicks	+125
Spread	Celtics -3
Total Points	O/U 232.0

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks player props

Player Points

Jalen Brunson	Over 26.5 -110
Jayson Tatum	Over 25.5 -125
Karl-Anthony Towns	Over 22.5 -110
Jaylen Brown	Over 21.5 -115
Kristaps Porzingis	Over 19.5 -120
Josh Hart	Over 22.5 -115

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.