The Boston Celtics are gearing up for a crucial Game 5 in their best-of-seven series against the New York Knicks during the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday. Currently, the Knicks hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, following their recent victory of 121-113 in Game 4 on Monday. The Knicks, who finished the regular season with a record of 51-31, are aiming to advance to the conference finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. In contrast, the Celtics, boasting a regular season record of 61-21 and the defending NBA champions, are focused on reaching the conference finals for the fourth consecutive year.
Unfortunately for Boston, they will be without star player Jayson Tatum, who sustained an Achilles injury late in Game 4. On the other hand, New York reports no injuries, giving them a significant advantage heading into this pivotal matchup. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston, where the Celtics will look to fend off elimination.
The two teams have a storied history in the playoffs, having split their previous 14 playoff series. In the latest Celtics vs. Knicks odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Boston is favored by 4.5 points, an increase from the opening line of 3 points. The over/under for total points is set at 207.5. For those interested in the money line, the Celtics are at -184 (risking $184 to win $100), while the Knicks are positioned at +154 (risking $100 to win $154).
Before making any Knicks vs. Celtics picks, it is essential to consider the insights from the SportsLine Projection Model. This model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has yielded over $10,000 in betting profit for players placing $100 bets on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six seasons. Currently, the model holds a strong record of 159-117 on top-rated NBA picks, generating nearly $4,000 in profit. It is also 23-11 (68%) on top-rated NBA against-the-spread picks this season. For comprehensive predictions and expert analysis, fans can visit SportsLine for the latest updates.
With Tatum sidelined, shooting guard Jaylen Brown will be stepping up to lead the Celtics in their quest to stay alive. In nine postseason starts, Brown is averaging an impressive 21.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and one steal in approximately 37 minutes of play. In the recent Game 4 loss, he contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Earlier in the series, he scored 23 points with seven rebounds and five assists in a narrow overtime loss to New York in Game 1.
Additionally, point guard Derrick White has been vital to Boston's offensive efforts. He scored 23 points, along with three rebounds and two assists in Game 4. Throughout the playoffs, he has averaged 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and one block over 38.3 minutes, showcasing his capability to perform under pressure.
On the other side, point guard Jalen Brunson has been particularly effective against Boston, recently posting a double-double with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds in Game 4. Brunson has consistently scored 30 or more points in six playoff games this year, underscoring his offensive prowess. Across ten postseason games, he averages 30.1 points, eight assists, and four rebounds in over 40 minutes per game.
Furthermore, center Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as another key player for the Knicks, averaging 19.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He has recorded six consecutive double-doubles, including 23 points and 11 rebounds in the recent Game 4 victory.
As the Celtics prepare for this must-win game, the SportsLine model has simulated the Knicks vs. Celtics matchup 10,000 times and is leaning towards the total going over, projecting a combined score of 208 points. The model also indicates that one side of the spread is predicted to hit in well over 50% of simulations.
For the latest NBA betting lines and expert picks, fans can check out SportsLine. Here are some key betting lines for the game:
Knicks vs. Celtics spread: Boston -4.5 at DraftKingsKnicks vs. Celtics over/under: 207.5 pointsKnicks vs. Celtics money line: New York +154, Boston -184For those looking to stream the game, it will be available on FuboTV (with a free trial option). As the Celtics face a critical moment in their playoff journey, fans can expect an exciting showdown at TD Garden.
