The Boston Celtics are off to a slower-than-expected start, and with the way some of their Eastern Conference brethren is playing, there is a concern the team could go into the playoffs with one of the middle seeds. Boston has eyes on a championship and needs to pick up its level of play for that to become realistic. The Celtics have been on a nice run of late and should have ample chance to continue it when facing off against the New York Knicks this week.
Boston is at home and will be the heavy favorite. The Knicks have been rebuilding for several years and this season will be no different as they seem destined for the lottery once again. New York would love to pull off the upset but it would be a big shock in NBA gambling.
This NBA basketball game between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics will be held at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts at 8 p.m ET on Thursday, December 6th, 2018. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
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Odds Analysis
The Knicks are 8-17 on the season. They have only gone 4-10 on the road this season and will be hard-pressed to pick up a win in this one. New York’s defense has been very poor and the main reason the team has not been successful this year.
The Celtics are 13-10 on the year, which is in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Boston has won six of its nine games at home on the season as it has played the majority of its contests on the road. That bodes well for some improvement moving forward.
Player To Watch
Gordon Hayward -- The Celtics forward suffered a gruesome injury in the first game of last season which knocked him out all year. He is back this year but has not shown the same form that made him great in the past.
Hayward is still searching for his explosiveness and is averaging 11.2 points and 5.5 rebounds on the seasons. That is four points below his career average and not what Boston expected when signing him to a lavish free agent deal.
Hayward did have a really good game last week against the Timberwolves, putting up 30 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor while sinking 4-of-5 three-pointers. He added nine rebounds and eight assists, and if Hayward can get back to his former form it would be a huge development for Boston.
Injury Report
Knicks guard Trey Burke is dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of Monday’s game against the Wizards. Keep a close eye on his status, as it’s possible Burke misses this matchup as well.
He is one of New York’s better players, averaging 12.0 points and 3.0 assists on the season. Burke hurt himself after just one minute on the floor against the Bucks. The Knicks are already low on talent and Burke’s absence could hurt even more.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Celtics are going to eventually rise to the top of the Eastern Conference standings because the talent is too good for this team to stay down for long. It is taking some time for everyone to figure out their roles but look for Boston to go on a tear.
This game should not be close as the Celtics have the superior firepower as well as the home court advantage in NBA gambling. The “over” should be under consideration as Boston will have no trouble scoring at will in this matchup.
NBA ATS Pick: Boston Celtics 123, New York Knicks 111
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