The Boston Celtics face a must-win situation in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. New York currently holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup after securing a 121-113 victory in Game 4 on Monday.
The Knicks (51-31) are on the verge of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. Their last playoff series win against Boston came in the first round back in 2013. The Celtics (61-21), who were the defending NBA champions, are aiming to advance to the conference finals for a fourth consecutive year. Boston will have to play without star forward Jayson Tatum, who sustained an Achilles injury late in the previous game.
Game 5 is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston. Historically, these two franchises have split their 14 previous playoff series matchups. According to the latest odds, the Celtics are listed as 4.5-point favorites, with the total points over/under set at 208. On the money line, Boston is -181 and New York is +150.
Insights from the SportsLine Projection Model indicate that betting on NBA games based on its simulations has yielded significant returns, exceeding $10,000 for $100 bettors over the past six seasons. The model has been particularly successful on top-rated NBA picks, boasting a 159-117 record recently, returning nearly $4,000. This includes a 23-11 record (68%) against the spread this season on top-rated plays.
Game 5 Betting Information:
- Point Spread: Boston -4.5
- Total Points Over/Under: 208
- Money Line: New York +150, Boston -181
- Notable Trends:
- Knicks have been strong on the road money line (24 of last 35 road games).
- Celtics have frequently hit the team total under (63 of last 97 games).
Why Boston Might Cover the Spread
With Jayson Tatum sidelined, shooting guard Jaylen Brown steps up as a primary offensive threat for the Celtics as they fight to keep their season alive. In the playoffs so far, Brown is averaging 21.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 37 minutes per contest. He contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in the Game 4 loss, following a 23-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance in the Game 1 overtime defeat.
Derrick White is another key player for Boston`s offense. He recorded 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists in Game 4. In the Game 1 loss, he posted a double-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. White`s playoff averages stand at 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and one block over 38.3 minutes per game.
Why New York Might Cover the Spread
Point guard Jalen Brunson has been a dominant force for the Knicks throughout the series. In the Game 4 victory, he delivered a double-double with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. Brunson has now scored 30 or more points in six playoff games this year, including a 40-point effort in their first-round series-clinching win against the Detroit Pistons. Across 10 postseason starts, he is averaging an impressive 30.1 points, eight assists, and four rebounds in 40.1 minutes.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns is one of five Knicks players averaging double-digit scoring during this postseason run. Starting all 10 games, Towns is averaging 19.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and one block in 36.5 minutes. He has been on a strong run of form, recording six consecutive double-doubles. In the recent Game 4 win, Towns contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Making Knicks vs. Celtics Game 5 Picks
The SportsLine model, which has simulated the Knicks vs. Celtics matchup 10,000 times, leans towards the Over for the total points scored. Furthermore, the model projects that one side of the point spread will hit in significantly more than 50% of its simulations.
To find out which team the model is backing and get the full betting analysis for Knicks vs. Celtics Game 5, consult expert predictions.
Jasper Hawthorne