The New York Knicks are simply not the same team without star forward Kristaps Porzingis, and all signs are pointing to the Latvian sensation returning to the lineup for a prime-time matchup with the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Sportsbook opened the Knicks as 2-point home underdogs with a total of 202.
- The Celtics are 6-1 SU in their last seven games against the Knicks.
- The total has gone UNDER in five of the Celtics’ last seven games against the Knicks.
- The Celtics are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games in December.
Porzingis, who’s missed the last two games due to knee soreness, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and is listed as questionable for the game. A report surfaced on Tuesday indicating Porzingis was targeting a return for tonight’s contest, and things are certainly moving in that direction. The Knicks fell in both games without Porzingis and are 1-5 SU with him sidelined in 2017-18.
Boston has split its last eight games heading into this one and is coming off a 90-89 setback on Wednesday against a Miami Heat squad missing its top two scorers. Kyrie Irving collected 33 points but missed a potential game-Sportsbook at the buzzer as the Celtics were held below 90 points for only the second time this year.
New York has been straight-up dominant at home vs Eastern Conference teams. The Knicks own 14 wins against East foes at Madison Square Garden – the highest number in the conference. Boston has fallen back to earth after a sizzling hot start at the betting window. In the Celtics’ last four games, they’re 1-3 ATS.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The New York Knicks opened as 4-point underdogs at online sportsbook Sportsbook, while the NBA total line was sitting around 203.5 at Sportsbook for those who prefer OVER/UNDER betting on the total amount of points scored.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 106-102 victory for the Knicks. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Boston Celtics will try to spoil the party on Thursday; they are 21-11-2 against the betting spread this NBA season, while the New York Knicks are 17-13 ATS. Boston is 17-16-1 vs the betting total points scored; New York is 14-15-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and New York vs Boston injuries news.
The Knicks-Celtics betting odds would favor the Celtics if the lines were set according to power rankings. New York is rated No. 22 in our latest Odds Shark poll, while the Boston Celtics sit at No. 9.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively the game matches up New York's No. 17-ranked offense (104.33 PPG) against a Boston defense that ranks No. 2 at 98.26 PPG. The Knicks have averaged 47.14% from the field per game, more than the Celtics have managed so far this NBA season (45.19% on average).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Boston got 33 points from Kyrie Irving en route to a 90-89 loss at the hands of Miami on Wednesday at TD Garden.
The Knicks endured a 109-91 loss at the hands of the Hornets on Monday, despite a 23-point effort from Michael Beasley at Spectrum Center.
- Boston is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Boston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 18 games
- Boston is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
- New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
- New York is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games at home
- New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Boston home to Chicago, Saturday, December 23
New York at Detroit, Friday, December 22
