The New York Knicks can take a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round series against the Boston Celtics as those teams resume their set on Friday night in NBA betting action.
The Knicks failed to cover the spread in Game 1 of the series earlier in the week, but they managed to pick up an ATS victory in Game 2 on Tuesday night in an 87-71 home win. New York had been favored by 6.5 points at the sportsbooks in that game.
The Celtics sport records of 41-40 and 37-41-3 ATS heading into this matchup, while the Knicks sit at 54-28 and 46-35-1 ATS on the season. The OVER/UNDER records are 42-38-1 for the Celtics and 40-40-2 for the Knicks. (Note: follow us on Twitter for line updates and injuries news).
View New York vs Boston Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
The Celtics were listed as 3-point favorites at sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), with the total was listed at 185 over at Sportsbook earlier.
Power Rankings / Prediction:
The Power Rankings at Odds Shark have the No. 9-rated Knicks taking on the No. 18-rated Celtics in this contest. Computer models indicate a possible 101-97 win for the Knicks on Friday.
How They Match Up:
The game also pits Boston's No. 18-ranked offense, averaging 96.5 PPG, against a Knicks defense that ranks No. 7 at 95.7 PPG. The Celtics field goal percentage has averaged 46.5% so far, more than the Knicks shooters have achieved on the year, 44.8% per game.
In comparing how the teams stack up statistically, the Knicks own the league's No. 10-rated mark, allowing 97.4 points per game when playing on the road. Boston, on the other hand, rates No. 16 in scoring on their home court.
Last time out for Boston, they were an 87-71 loser as they battled the Knicks on the road. The Celtics failed to cover in the match as a 6.5-point underdog, while 158 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors. The Celtics endured an 87-71 loss at the hands of the Knicks on Tuesday, despite an 18 -point effort from Paul Pierce at Madison Square Garden.
New York Knicks Trends:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
Boston Celtics Trends:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing New York are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few Knicks at Celtics trends to consider:
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Boston
New York is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing New York
Boston is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Boston is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games at home
Next up:
New York at Boston, Sunday, April 28
Boston home to New York, Sunday, April 28
