Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will play in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Celitcs come into the game as the third seed, while the Knicks finished just a game ahead of Philadelphia for the sixth seed. Boston won all four games between these two teams, including the season finale on April 13th.
Boston Celtics Overview:
The Celtics have all sorts of playoff experience; as they were to the NBA Finals last season; two years removed from winning the title. Boston was the top defensive team in the league; allowing just 91.1 points per game. The Celtics struggled offensive; scoring just 96.5 points per game. Boston’s leading scorer was Paul Pierce; with his 18.9 points per game. Kevin Garnett had another great season for the Celtics; ripping down 8.9 rebounds per game. Rajon Rondo was one of the top point guards in the league with over 11 assists per game.
Boston won 66 and 62 games the previous two seasons, before winning 50 last season. Doc Rivers feels his team can get back to the finals, if they stay healthy and play the way they know they can – which is defensively. One thing Boston will hope to improve on; is their rebounding. Boston ranks 29th in the league with 38.8 rebounds per game.
New York Knicks Overview:
The New York Knicks added Carmelo Anthony to join Amare Stoudemire and started out slow. The Knicks saw a seven game losing streak, and then later followed it up with a seven game winning streak. The Knicks with Anthony and Stoudemire boasted the top scoring combination between two players. New York finished the regular season as the second highest scoring team in the league; with 106.5 points per game.
The Knicks are in the postseason for the first time in over a decade. Last season, New York won just 29 games. New York finished second place in the Atlantic Division; trailing only the Boston Celtics.
Celtics/Knicks Pick and Prediction:
This is going to be an excellent series out of the Eastern Conference. These two teams have completely different styles of play. The Celtics are old and want to slow the pace down and make it a defensive game. New York will want to push the ball and get as many shots for their two studs as they can. Look for this game to be extended to six, possibly seven games. When it comes down to it – the Celtics experience will win out. Boston is 1.25 over New York, according to odds makers. We are confident in our pick of the Boston Celtics.
Our pick: Boston Celtics 1.25 over the New York Knicks. Bet the Celtics at Centrebet.