As the Boston Celtics enter this game, we have a few concerns. Although they beat the Chicago Bulls, they'll need to be better defensively this evening.
Currently, two players have been ruled out for Boston. Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari will both be out indefinitely with knee injuries. Even though they're out, the Celtic are favored by 3.5 points on Saturday night.
As a team, the Celtics average 116.1 points per game, one of the best-scoring teams in the league. Although their offense has done well, their defense has struggled in key games.
Not long ago, when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, they lost 132-123. If they have another problem like this, they could end up losing this game.
In their game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett had an incredible night. Brunson put up 23 points on the evening, while Barrett added 22.
If these two can combine for another big night, they could find a way to beat the Boston Celtics. The question is, can their offense as a unit come together tonight?
If they don't, the Knicks will be in a lot of trouble as the game goes on. Their offense averages 115 points per game, which isn't bad, but they've had defensive struggles too.
Before their win over the 76ers, the Knicks lost three games in a row. Most of these losses were due to poor defense, so keep that in mind.
In their last ten games this season, the Celtics have gone 5-5 against the spread. In their last six games, the Celtics have gone 1-5 against the spread. With such a poor record when playing against the spread, we're going to go with the New York Knicks.
It'll be an impressive upset but look at what they did against the 76ers. The Knicks pulled off a 106-104 win over both Joel Embiid and James Harden.
They haven't done well against the spread, but they're 4-1 in their last five games at home. Look for the New York Knicks to win this game at home over the Celtics.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: New York Knicks +3.5, OVER
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