The New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics both made an appearance in the in-season tournament's quarterfinals earlier this week. The two teams will meet on Friday, December 8th, 2023 (7:40 PM ET) in regular-season action. The Celtics, who will host the game, are favored at -6.5 on the spread (bet365). My Knicks vs Celtics prediction revolves around Kristaps Porzingis and his status for the game. I think bettors should be in favor of the Knicks in general but they will have to watch out for Boston's center.
New York vs Boston Prediction: Latest NBA Headlines
The Knicks lost their last game to the Milwaukee Bucks 146-122. With the size of the spread, New York was somewhat indifferent in the latter stages of the game. A total of 14 players saw court time for New York, meaning that their starters were not overly taxed in the loss. Julius Randle did play 37 minutes but by the time New York plays again on Friday, he will have had a full three days' rest.
The Knicks have generally played well in recent weeks. Their big-spread loss to Milwaukee could be treated as a one-off game. Since a slow start to the season, New York has gone 10-4 over roughly the last month. Their depth chart with ESPN, as of late Thursday, did not show any injuries at all. Bettors could be expecting an above-average version of the team as they prepare to face the Celtics.
New York Knicks: Recent Form Alert
Formerly: 2 - 4 heading into Nov 6th, 2023
Currently: 12 - 8 (overall)
Recent form: 10 - 4 since Nov 6th, 2023
Recent winning rate: .714
Double-check for playing status updates with New York (18:51 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Boston might be without Kristaps Porzingis for the upcoming game (he is probable according to the Knicks' tweet below). This is an annoying injury for bettors because you could hinge a lot of betting action on whether or not Porzingis plays. When Porzingis is on the court, he has the biggest influence on the action of any player on the team. He is not able to log huge minutes, which is his weakness, but he has good averages for the minutes he plays.
Double-check for playing status updates with Boston (18:51 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Knicks vs Celtics Prediction: Betting Tips
In the final analysis, bettors should be taking the +6.5 points on the Knicks in this game (-110) (bet365). Boston was playing better basketball a few weeks ago. With a 4-3 record in their last seven games, they are on a slight downturn. Furthermore, they would be just 2-5 if charged with covering -6.5 in their last seven games.
If Porzingis is upgraded to active, then New York's handicap might adjust accordingly. But there is a chance that he has limited minutes as a precaution. I think you still don't mind taking New York. You can double-check Porzingis' game status by checking on him on game day at his player profile.
NY Knicks vs Boston Celtics December 8th: Same-game parlay
Also, 220.0 total points look low for this game. With each team playing on a few days' rest, you have to expect an above-average pace. The scoring should be a little higher than expected. I think the proper points total for this game should be 227.0 so I am recommending over 220.0 (-110; bet365). For a same-game parlay take a big Knicks' handicap of +10.5 and OVER 226.5, which factors out to +250.
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