Holding a 2-0 series lead the Boston Celtics visit Madison Square Gardens tonight looking for another win over the New York Knicks.
In Game 2 the Celtics posted a 96-93 win as a 6.5-point favorite. Rajon Rondo led Boston with 30 points and seven assists, while Carmelo Anthony exploded for 42 points, 17 rebounds and six assists for the Knicks in the losing effort.
View Boston vs New York Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
Sportsbooks have set the Knicks as 2-point favorites on the Sportsbook line for this contest. The total was listed at 191, but may be on the move.
Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game pits the Knicks, currently No. 16 in the Odds Shark NBA Power Rankings, against the Celtics, who rate No. 12 in the most recent survey. Meanwhile, math and computer handicapping models run on this game predict a 105-101 victory for the Celtics.
How They Match Up:
The game also pits New York's No. 2-ranked offense, averaging 106.5 PPG, against a Celtics defense that ranks No. 1 at 91.1 PPG. The Knicks field goal percentage has averaged 45.7% so far, less than the Celtics shooters have achieved on the year, 48.6% per game.
In comparing how the teams stack up statistically, the Celtics own the league's No. 1-rated mark, allowing 90.9 points per game when on the road. New York, on the other hand, rates No. 2 in home scoring.
Last time out for New York, they were a 96-93 loser as they battled the Celtics on the road. The Knicks covered in the match as a 6.5-point underdog, while 189 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors. The Knicks got a terrific 42-point performance from Carmelo Anthony but Boston handed them a 96-93 defeat on Tuesday at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics Trends:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing New York are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
New York Knicks Trends:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Boston are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few Celtics at Knicks trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Boston's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Boston's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games at home
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
New York is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston at New York, Sunday, April 24
New York home to Boston, Sunday, April 24
