Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction & Picks - NBA
USA - NBA
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Lou Aguila | in NBA Picks
The Boston Celtics gear up for another tough postseason battle as they are set to begin their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semis series with their division rivals, the New York Knicks, on Monday at TD Garden.
The Celtics finished off a physical Orlando Magic team in five games of their first-round series. Despite the lopsided results of the series, the Magic’s length and physicality had given the defending champion problems throughout the five-game slugfest. Jayson Tatum, who sat out Game 2 with a wrist injury, poured in 35 points on 10 for 16 shooting to help Boston shut the door on the Magic.
The Knicks came out as the victor of hands down the most entertaining series in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Jalen Brunson played phenomenal in the Knicks’ 116-113 win over the Pistons to close out the series. The dynamic guard exploded for 40 points on top of 7 assists and drained the game-winning trey on top of the key after shaking off his defender, Pistons’ wing Ausar Thompson.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Boston Celtics - New York Knicks Key Points
- Jalen Brunson averaged 26.8 points on 52.8 FG% in 4 regular-season games with the Celtics this season.
- Jalen Brunson averaged 31.5 points on 43 FG% in 5 games with the Pistons
- Boston finished the regular season second in points allowed per game (107.2)
- Boston ranks first in the postseason in points allowed per game (93.6)
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction
Fearless Forecast: Jrue Holiday, Celtics defense contains Jalen Brunson
The Celtics’ All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will once again lead the charge on the offensive end, but a returning Jrue Holiday will play a vital role as the primary defender on Knicks’ star Jalen Brunson. The Knicks' All-Star guard averaged 31.5 points on 43.6 FG% in the series vs. the Pistons. With Holiday already cleared to play after a hamstring injury, Brunson isn’t going to have a 30+ point night regularly. In 4 regular-season games vs the Celtics this year, Brunson averaged 26.8 points on 52.8 FG%. These are still impressive numbers, but I think the Celtics would live with the Knicks star scoring under 30 than torching them with a 40-piece like he did against the Pistons. As good as Boston’s offense has been all season, the Celtics finished the regular season as the second-best defensive team in the NBA regarding points allowed per game (107.2) and rank first this postseason (93.6). I am not saying Brunson isn’t going to lead his team in scoring because he will. I think he won’t score 30+ points because the Celtics will force him to be more of a passer than a scorer, where he’s more dangerous. Our betting prediction for the New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: Jalen Brunson 28+ Points
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
