The Boston Celtics’ fast start is a memory at this point. The Raptors have surpassed them for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings while the re-tooled Cavaliers are hoping to make a push as well. Boston is still a good team and would love to move back on top in the East. They have a big game this weekend against the New York Knicks.
The Celtics are the better team but New York is playing at home, which helps even the playing field a little bit. The Knicks were pushing for the playoffs when star Kristaps Porzingis was healthy but a season-ending knee injury torpedoed their chances. The Celtics should be sizable favorite to come away with a victory in this game and it is one they could use badly.
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Odds Analysis
The Celtics are 40-19 straight up and 34-23-2 against the spread. Boston has been very good on the road this season, covering in 18 of its 27 contests. The Celtics are 22-21-1 against the spread as the favorite this season.
The Knicks are 24-36 straight up and 29-31 against the spread. New York has gone 16-12 against the spread at home this season. It is 19-24 against the spread as the underdog on the year.
Key Stat
8. That’s the number of losses in a row the Knicks had suffered before finally breaking out last time out with a win over the Orlando Magic. It was a welcome reprieve but it is clear this team is headed for the lottery without the services of Porzingis.
He was averaging 22.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest while adding 2.4 blocks per game. Porzingis’ torn ACL was an unfortunate event and the hope is that it doesn’t sidetrack a promising career. The Knicks’ losing streak began when they were defeated by these Celtics in a 30-point laugher in Boston.
The Knicks lost by five points or fewer in three of the games in this recent stretch but couldn’t come away with the win. They are hoping the All-Star Break and this subsequent win over Orlando is a kickstart to better fortunes the rest of the way, but it’s going to be tough sledding without Porzingis.
Player To Watch
Kyrie Irving -- If the Knicks have any shot of keeping this matchup close, they are going to have to keep Irving in check. He has been a huge addition for Boston, averaging 24.7 points, 5.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest on the season.
Irving came over from the Cavaliers this offseason, and while many questioned the wisdom of him requesting a trade, the Celtics are currently ahead of Cleveland in the standings. Irving has been consistent all season and will look to lead his team to a victory in this one. He is shooting 48.6 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from three-point range on the season.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Knicks may have been just a slight underdog if Porzingis was around, but his injury has really derailed the season. New York already wasn’t super talented and now lesser players have been thrust into bigger roles. Trey Burke had 26 points in the win over the Magic and if he can do that again it would really help the Knicks’ chances.
While New York has some intriguing pieces, the Celtics are built better and shouldn’t have much problem winning this game, even on the road. Take Boston to cover the spread as well as it could be a non-competitive night.
NBA Odds: Celtics 116, Knicks 104
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