The New York Knicks (4-4, 3-1 Home) and their stifling defense welcome the Boston Celtics (5-3, 2-2 Away) and their great offense on Saturday. Both teams will be playing on back-to-back days. The Celtics are 1-0 without a day off, while the Knicks are facing their first back-to-back of the season. Boston defeated the Chicago Bulls 123-119 at TD Garden yesterday.
With 36 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, Jayson Tatum led the way. The Celtics are fifth in the Eastern Conference. New York won a close one yesterday at Wells Fargo Center, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 106-104. Jalen Brunson had 23 points, seven assists, and six rebounds to lead the team.
The Knicks are the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference.The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Boston and New York split their matchups last season, taking two games apiece. The Celtics earned the win in the last meeting 99-75 at TD Garden on January 8. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with a triple double, posting 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. RJ Barrett had 19 points in the losing effort.
Tatum is averaging 30.9 points per game, eighth-highest in the league, to lead the Celts in scoring this season. Tatum also has grabbed 8.5 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart is dishing 5.4 assists. Brunson (19.0 ppg), Barrett (18.4), and Julius Randle (17.6) have been the primary providers for the Knicks on offense.
Randle also has posted 9.0 rebounds per game, while Brunson has recorded 6.9 assists per game.The Celtics rank as the NBA’s second-best team in offensive efficiency, while the Knicks are fourth in defensive efficiency. The Celtics have had the advantage in the last 10 games at Madison Square Garden, winning six.
SportsTips’ NBA Pick:
Boston Celtics (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
