An Eastern Conference tilt features the New York Knicks (34-22) hosting the Boston Celtics (44-12) on Saturday night. Boston is leading the conference as the No. 1 seed. Meanwhile, New York is currently the fourth seed. The Celtics have won three straight games over the Knicks. On Dec. 8, Boston defeated the New York 133-123. OG Anunoby (elbow), Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) are all out for New York.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York. Boston is the 6-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. Knicks odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 224.5. Before making any Knicks vs. Celtics picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions from SportsLine’s proven model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 18 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 60-36 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,300. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Knicks vs. Celtics. You can head to SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Celtics vs. Knicks:
Knicks vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -6
Knicks vs. Celtics over/under: 224.5 points
Knicks vs. Celtics money line: Celtics -241, Knicks +195
BOS: 2-0-1 ATS against Knicks this season
NYK: 15-11-1 ATS overall this season
Knicks vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Center Kristaps Porzingis has been a great addition to the Celtics frontcourt this season. Porzingis’ length gives opposing ball handlers trouble in the lane and he has a smooth jumper to space the floor. The 28-year-old averages 20.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. On Feb. 9, Porzingis had 34 points and 11 rebounds.
Guard Derrick White is another contributor in the backcourt. White can score from all three levels but scans the court well as a facilitator. The Colorado product logs 15.8 points, 4.7 assists, and shoots 39% from downtown. He’s scored 27-plus in back-to-back games. See who to back at SportsLine.
Why the Knicks can cover
With Randle out, guard Jalen Brunson is the clear-cut leader of this team. The Villanova product consistently scores in the paint and has a dependable jump shot. Additionally, Brunson will get his teammates involved. He’s eighth in the NBA in scoring (27.5) and 13th in assists (6.6). On Feb. 22, Brunson notched 21 points and 12 assists.
Forward Bojan Bogdanovic brings a true 3-point threat onto the court. Bogdanovic owns a sweet-shooting stroke, knocking down spot-up and pull-up triples. The 34-year-old is averaging 19.8 points, 2.3 assists and makes 41% of his 3-point attempts. Bogdanovic totaled 22 points and went a perfect 6-of-6 from downtown in Thursday’s victory over the 76ers. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make Knicks vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 229 points. The model also says one side hits in over 60% of simulations. You can only see the picks at SportsLine.