The Eastern Conference Semifinals are set to tip off with Game 1 between the second-seeded Boston Celtics and the third-seeded New York Knicks. Boston reached this stage after a dominant 4-1 series victory over the Orlando Magic in the first round, while New York advanced by overcoming the Detroit Pistons in six games (4-2).
The Celtics, who finished the regular season with an impressive 61-21 record and are the defending NBA champions, are looking to achieve something not seen since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018: repeat as champions. Meanwhile, the Knicks (50-32) are aiming for their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since the 1999-2000 season, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers.
Game 1 is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston. Historically, these two franchises have a competitive playoff history, splitting their seven previous series matchups.
According to the latest odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, the Celtics are listed as 9-point favorites. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 212.5. On the money line, the Celtics are -392, while the Knicks are +308.
Before placing any wagers on the Celtics vs. Knicks game, it`s worth considering the NBA predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model. This model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has a track record of providing profitable picks over the past six-plus seasons. It has been particularly successful recently on top-rated NBA picks during the playoffs.
Here are the latest NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Knicks:
- Knicks vs. Celtics spread: Boston -9 at DraftKings
- Knicks vs. Celtics over/under: 212.5 points
- Knicks vs. Celtics money line: Boston -392, New York +308
- NY: The Knicks are 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 games
- BOS: The Celtics have hit the team total under in 61 of their last 93 games (+24.85 units)
Why the Celtics can cover the spread
Small forward Jayson Tatum has been a formidable force throughout the postseason, recording three double-doubles against the Magic in the first round. He was particularly effective in their series-clinching Game 5 win, contributing 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in a 120-89 victory. In Game 4, he posted 37 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Tatum has also performed exceptionally well against the Knicks during the regular season, averaging 33.5 points, seven assists, and 6.8 rebounds in their four matchups.
Adding to Boston`s offensive prowess is shooting guard Jaylen Brown. Through five playoff games, he is averaging 23 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. Brown also registered two double-doubles against Orlando, including a 36-point, 10-rebound, and five-assist outing in their 109-100 Game 2 win. In four regular-season games against New York, Brown averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals.
Why the Knicks can cover the spread
Point guard Jalen Brunson is a key offensive engine for the New York Knicks. Across six postseason games this year, he has averaged 31.5 points, 8.2 assists, and four rebounds per game. He delivered a standout performance in the decisive Game 6 against the Pistons, scoring 40 points along with seven assists and four rebounds in a 116-113 win. He also recorded a double-double with 32 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in a tight 94-93 Game 4 victory.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns provides significant offensive support for the Knicks. In the current postseason, he is averaging 19.7 points, 10 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals. Towns has recorded back-to-back double-doubles leading into this series, including a 17-point, 11-rebound performance in Game 5 against Detroit and a strong 31-point, eight-rebound, two-block game in their Game 3 win.
How to make Knicks vs. Celtics picks
The SportsLine model has extensively analyzed the Celtics vs. Knicks Game 1 matchup, simulating it 10,000 times. The model predicts the total points scored will lean Over the set line, projecting approximately 213 combined points. Furthermore, the model has identified one side of the point spread as offering better betting value.
To discover who wins Knicks vs. Celtics Game 1 and which side of the spread is the better play, you can find the SportsLine model`s specific NBA picks and betting predictions.
Jasper Hawthorne