Boston Celtics at New York Knicks Betting Preview/Prop Picks
05 November 2022
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 122.903; New York 115.407
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 7 ½; 227
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 224
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3 1/2); Over
The Boston Celtics have a 5-3 record and are coming off a 123-119 win over the Chicago Bulls. Today, the Celtics will face the New York Knicks to try and work toward their sixth win.
They started the season with three straight wins but have taken a step back afterward. As they prepare to face the Knicks, they'll need to definitely tighten up on defense.
The New York Knicks are coming off a 106-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. With an overall record of 4-4, the Knicks are getting ready to host the Celtics.
Taking down Boston won't be easy, especially with how the Celtics' offense has performed.
Boston Celtics: Celtics need to focus on tighter defense
As the Boston Celtics enter this game, we have a few concerns. Although they beat the Chicago Bulls, they'll need to be better defensively this evening.
Currently, two players have been ruled out for Boston. Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari will both be out indefinitely with knee injuries. Even though they're out, the Celtic are favored by 3.5 points on Saturday night.
As a team, the Celtics average 116.1 points per game, one of the best-scoring teams in the league. Although their offense has done well, their defense has struggled in key games.
Not long ago, when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, they lost 132-123. If they have another problem like this, they could end up losing this game.
New York Knicks: Brunson and Barrett need another big game
In their game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett had an incredible night. Brunson put up 23 points on the evening, while Barrett added 22.
If these two can combine for another big night, they could find a way to beat the Boston Celtics. The question is, can their offense as a unit come together tonight?
If they don't, the Knicks will be in a lot of trouble as the game goes on. Their offense averages 115 points per game, which isn't bad, but they've had defensive struggles too.
Before their win over the 76ers, the Knicks lost three games in a row. Most of these losses were due to poor defense, so keep that in mind.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Betting Pick
In their last ten games this season, the Celtics have gone 5-5 against the spread. In their last six games, the Celtics have gone 1-5 against the spread.Even with such a poor record when playing against the spread, we're going to go with Bostos.
The Knicks pulled off a 106-104 win over the Sixers who were missing both Joel Embiid and James Harden.
They haven't done well against the spread even though they 4-1 in their last five games at home. Look for the Celtics to avoid the upset and win on the road over the Knicks.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Boston Celtics -3.5, OVER
Prop Picks
Boston (-120) OVER 113.5 Points
Boston is averaging 117.0 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 4 in the NBA. Scores have gone OVER in 13 of the Celtics’ last 16 games when playing with 0 days rest.
With Dunkel predicting a Boston win by the score of 117-110, take the Celtics (-120) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 113.5 points versus the Knicks.
RJ Barrett (-110) OVER 19.5 Points
Barrett is averaging 18.4 points per game in eight games this season, which ranks No. 2 on the Knicks. That average increases to 19.8 points per game at home.
With Dunkel predicting the final score going OVER the Vegas total, take Barrett (-110) to finish OVER 19.5 points against the Celtics.
Be sure to check out all our Daily NBA Picks!
All Media on this page by Associated Press.
