Boston Celtics vs
New York KnicksPredictions & Preview

Knicks Look to Extend Surprising Lead as Celtics Aim for Game 3 Victory in Eastern Conference Playoffs Showdown

The Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks are facing off in Game 3 of their Second Round series in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Knicks currently hold a surprising 2-0 series lead as they play their first game in New York. Boston is favored to win Game 3, opening at -5 and currently sitting at Boston -5.5. Tipoff is at 3:30 EST and can be watched on ABC. For a detailed prediction of the Celtics vs. Knicks matchup, continue reading below.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Celtics -225 | Knicks +190
• Spread: Celtics -5.5 (-110) | Knicks +5.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 205.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Boston will win straight-up is 69%.

Boston vs New York Stats

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are facing a challenging situation as they trail the Knicks 2-0 in the series. Their three-point shooting has been subpar, with a 25.0% success rate compared to their season average of 36.8%. They will need to improve their shooting from deep or focus on attacking the basket more effectively. Derrick White had a strong performance in Game 2, but the team is looking for other key players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to step up in scoring. The status of Kristaps Porzingis is uncertain due to illness. Despite their current struggles, the Celtics maintain a strong offensive and defensive ranking, holding the 9th position in offense and 2nd in defense. Their statistics show a solid performance in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point shooting. The Celtics will need to regroup and perform better in Game 3 to turn the series around.

New York Knicks Analysis

The New York Knicks have shown resilience in their comeback victories in the first two games of the series, with key players like Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau heavily relies on his starters, particularly Hart and Mikal Bridges, who each played 43 minutes in Game 2. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby also play important roles in the team's success. The Knicks rank 10th in power rankings with a strong offense and solid defense. Despite injury concerns, the team has been performing well and will look to continue their success in the series.

Celtics Must Secure Victory in Crucial Match Against Knicks to Stay Alive in Playoffs

It is imperative for the Celtics to secure a victory in this upcoming match, as history has shown that no NBA team has ever managed to overcome a 3-0 deficit and emerge victorious in a series. Boston's current three-point shooting percentage of 25.0% is considerably below their regular season average of over 36%. Despite New York's strong defensive performance, the Celtics possess a lineup specifically designed to excel in three-point shooting. In Game 2, Boston's defense successfully limited Brunson to 17 points, a significant improvement considering his high postseason scoring average. A loss in this game would put the Celtics at a severe disadvantage, potentially leading to elimination from the playoffs. Given their talent and previous success against the Knicks in the regular season, I anticipate a strong comeback from the Celtics. My recommendation is to place a bet on the Celtics to secure a victory and cover the spread.

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