Boston is a -3.0 favorite, and Caesars has set a 224.5-point total for this Atlantic Division matchup.
Join me as I break down the NBA odds for this matchup with a preview and prediction for Celtics vs. Knicks on Wednesday, October 25.
Boston Retools this Offseason with Defense in Mind
The Celtics ended the regular season with a 57-25 record, fell one game short of reaching the NBA Finals, and decided to retool their team.
They did just that. Boston traded away fan favorites Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Grant Williams, and Robert Williams and wound up with Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
2024 Boston Celtics Hype Video ☘️
It’s a New Era in Boston 👀#BleedGreen #Celtics pic.twitter.com/uwhFM1g8Xv
— The Celtics Journal (@CelticsJournal) October 21, 2023
Boston was the third-best defensive team in the league last season, and they definitely upgraded with Holiday. and if Porzingis can remain healthy, and that’s a big ask, the Celtics have the roster and the experience to win the 2024 NBA Championship.
The Celtics were second in offensive efficiency last season, and the offseason moves will complement leading scorers Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum and Brown improved drastically on the offensive end and should flourish alongside Holiday and Porzingis.
Knicks Eye Championship
The Knicks didn’t do much this offseason, except they did sign free agent Donte DiVincenzo. Derek Rose and Obi Toppin are no longer on the team.
Still, essentially, the 2023-2024 version of the Knicks is the same New York team that finished the regular season at 47-35 and lost in the conference semifinals to runner-up Miami.
From the heart of the five boroughs.
It’s Go New York Go Time! pic.twitter.com/jYUMnOTD2E
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 23, 2023
New York finished fifth last season in offensive efficiency, and most of the offensive production has returned. The Knicks return their top six scorers from 2023, including leading scorer Julius Randle alongside vastly improved Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett.
The Knicks were an average defensive team last season, and they didn’t do much this offseason to fix it either. Mitchell Robinson is an exceptional shot blocker and rebounder, and Barrett is a smooth and long defender who can alter shots and get steals in the passing lane.
DiVincenzo will provide a spark off of the bench, and the Knicks should fare okay this season.
Celtics vs. Knicks Prediction
Boston is only laying three points at Caesars Sportsbook, which is better than the -3.5 (-115) available at some shops. The Celtics should cover up to a five-point spread on Wednesday, but we’ll take the -3.0 (-110) any day of the week.
The Celtics got better, while the Knicks still hope Randle can lead the team again in scoring, and it didn’t get much better at all.
Randle will get his buckets, but the New York offense doesn’t match up very well with Boston, and I suspect the final outcome will be much larger than Las Vegas assumes it to be.
Finally, while the Knicks’ offense can hang with Boston, the New York defense will have a tough time stopping Tatum and Brown, and the Knicks aren’t a good enough scoring team to make up the difference.
Boston will beat them on the glass, and the Celtics’ outstanding ball movement will produce several assisted baskets. Take the Celtics to cover the -3.0 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook NJ.
My Best Bet: Celtics -3 (-110) Caesars Sportsbook
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