Boston Celtics (43-12) vs. New York Knicks (33-22)
In a highly anticipated showdown at Madison Square Garden, the Boston Celtics are set to face off against the New York Knicks. Scheduled for Saturday, this matchup promises to be a pivotal clash in the NBA calendar, particularly for fans and bettors keen on leveraging the best live betting opportunities. With both teams demonstrating distinct paths in their quest for dominance, the game not only highlights their competitive spirit but also underscores the unpredictable nature of basketball.
The Celtics have been on an absolute tear, winning five straight games to maintain their league-best 43-12 record. While Boston has gone just 1-3 against the spread over their last four, they lead the NBA in net rating at +10.4 and rank top five in both offensive (120.7 PPG) and defensive (opponents score 114.5 PPG) efficiency.
The Knicks have hit a rough patch recently, dropping four of their last five games. New York is also on a five-game ATS losing skid but have been solid betting options at Madison Square Garden with a 15-13 home ATS record. The Knicks (114.5 PPG allowed) hang their hats on a top 10 defense holding opponents to the lowest three-point shooting percentage (36.8%) in the league. New York will look to break out of their slump by clamping down at home this Saturday.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Jalen Brunson (PG)
Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is making a strong case for MVP, averaging a career-high 27.1 points along with 8.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Tatum has been incredibly efficient (48/38/80 shooting splits) while also providing lockdown defense. His versatility on both ends of the floor makes Boston an extremely difficult matchup.
Knicks newcomer Jalen Brunson has thrived in his first season as a full-time starter, posting personal bests in points (27.6), rebounds (3.8) and assists (6.5) per contest. Brunson has given New York’s offense a major boost but his defensive limitations could be an issue against Tatum and Boston’s array of perimeter scorers.
When these two dynamic scorers matchup, points should be expected in bunches. While Tatum has a clear physical advantage with his 6’8 frame, Brunson’s crafty handles and shooting ability off the dribble present a unique challenge that Tatum rarely sees at his position. This marquee showdown could determine the game’s outcome.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, reflecting the closely matched nature of the contest. However, insights and recommendations will lean on the Celtics’ impressive record and the Knicks’ resilience, particularly at home.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
The OVER has hit in two of Boston’s last five overall but is just 14-29 in their road contests. This year’s Celtics squad also plays at the NBA’s third slowest pace (97.6 possessions per game) and rely more on their top ranked defense compared to previous seasons.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
The Knicks have seen the OVER cash in three of their last five outings and are now 16-19 on overs at Madison Square Garden in 2022-2023. New York plays at the league’s fifth fastest tempo and is scoring over 115 PPG over their last 15 games.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks 2/24/24 Betting Picks
Based on analysis and betting trends, the Celtics appear to be a safer bet than the Knicks when considering overall season performance and head-to-head matchups. However, don’t discount Madison Square Garden’s ability for surprise performances by either team – key to winning NBA picks in this game will be keeping an eye on the spread to see if underdog Knicks may cover.
Given both teams’ offensive firepower, and resilience, a close game is expected. Boston may come out ahead due to their depth and Tatum’s leadership; hence prop bets on his and Brunson’s point totals may provide value given their significant roles on each team.
