Celtics vs. Knicks: MSG Taken by Storm Tonight’s Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Knicks are still dealing with injuries while their star players play at a level comparable to Thibs, and the Celtics have the largest net margin in the NBA. See why Boston will not hesitate to put the home team in a difficult situation.
The unrelenting Boston Celtics, who are on a seven-game winning streak, could have an easy time facing the undermanned New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden.
The Celtics have a 44-12 record and are strong favorites in the NBA odds. On Thursday, they easily defeated the Chicago Bulls, 129–112, with 53 points apiece from Derrick White and Jayson Tatum.
The Knicks have had a more difficult time lately, and they will once more be without Julius Randle and OG Anunoby. However, New York ended a four-game losing streak by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers on the road last time out, thanks to a flawless 6-for-6 performance from downtown by Bojan Bogdanovic.
Before this matchup on Saturday, February 24, get my free NBA picks for the Celtics vs. Knicks below.
Predictions for Celtics vs. Knicks
It was difficult to look at the Celtics 62-59 down to the Bulls at the half on Thursday. Jayson Tatum and company have, after all, developed a habit of sinking teams quickly and creating sizable first-half leads.
In their final game before the All-Star break, they led the Brooklyn Nets 68-32 at the half. In their two previous games, they had similarly sprinted to a commanding lead at the half.
Boston leads the pack this season with a first-half point difference of +7.2, far ahead of the next team, the New Orleans Pelicans, who have a +5.5 differential.
Here, I see the guests carrying on that pattern of impressive starts. With Julius Randle and OG Anunoby dressed as street players, the Knicks are lacking 40 offensive points, which places a great deal of pressure on Jalen Brunson when he faces Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.
The fact that the Celtics are a fantastic road team and have won their previous seven games away from TD Garden (18-9 this season) definitely helps.
We might witness a legendary series if these teams play each other in the playoffs at full vigor. But for the time being, Boston is deeper and healthier. In the first half, I anticipate that the visitors will make that count and cover this narrow spread.
