Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Boston Celtics look to be at full strength with Jaylen Brown listed as active after previously testing positive for COVID-19.
• All-Star Julius Randle looks to build off of New York’s comeback season last year.
• The Celtics open as +110 favorites over the Knicks.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

The Celtics come in at a disadvantage with Al Horford unavailable against the talented frontcourt of the New York Knicks. The Knicks come in as the favorites, but they’ll need to show growth to overcome the continuity that Boston show off.

Picks:

Boston Celtics def. New York Knicks (+110)

Under 218.5 (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks

BOS: Go All-In On Brown and Tatum

The Boston Celtics parted ways with Kemba Walker over the offseason, opting to fully buy into the growth of their young All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With a revamped roster and a new head coach, how the pair perform will determine Boston’s success.

Despite finishing 36-36 last season, the pair of Brown and Tatum combined to average 50.1 points per game – accounting for 44.5% of the team’s scoring. Now without lead playmaker Kemba Walker, the pair will also need to create for others.

The Celtics have a solid, if not unexciting, the cast of reserves that are meant to support the duo. The Knicks have the more recent success, but a 2-2 preseason showed off a Celtics side that isn’t afraid to be on the offensive.

Celtics Key Player: (G) Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder is eating Bam alive pic.twitter.com/MYZNSnTImg

— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) October 15, 2021

Boston chose to go in a different direction this offseason and will enter this season with Dennis Schroder at the point of attack for the Celtics.

Schroder may have played the fool in contract negotiations this summer, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he is coming off of a positive 15.4 points, 5.8 assist, and 1.1 steal season.

Most of the scoring will go through Tatum and Brown, but Schroder needs to be the playmaker Ime Udoka wants him to be if Boston hopes to achieve their ambitions of success.

NYK: Show off Offensive Growth

The New York Knicks showed off their potential last season and it was on the defensive side of the ball. However, when they enter this season, they will want to show that their offensive game has grown enough to further their success.

Last year, the Knicks were 26th in points per game, 23rd in offensive rating, and dead last in pace. Julius Randle carried the Knicks on the offensive side of the ball, but all eyes are now on Tom Thibodeau’s efforts to improve their offense.

The Knicks’ three-point shooting last year was efficient, just not a high enough volume to compete with the big shots in the East. The additions of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier should help their cause, but it depends on how well they can put it all together.

Knicks Key Player: (G) RJ Barrett

RJ BARRETT RAISED THE ROOF ? pic.twitter.com/L9DrI4GQ5d

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 24, 2021

After an offseason of some hot-and-cold acquisitions, the most intriguing player on the New York roster is still RJ Barrett.

The Canadian international is coming off of a season where he averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He also improved from the field, shooting 44.1% overall and 40.1% from deep.

Barrett needs to make the biggest jump if the Knicks want to compete with the best of the Eastern Conference. He isn’t quite at the level of draft-mates Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, but his steady growth suggests this may be his year.

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