Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 10/04/2024, 17:29  by Joseph King | Modified on 10/04/2024 at 21:21 in NBA Predictions

A classic NBA rivalry is renewed on Thursday when the first-place Boston Celtics host the third-placed New York Knicks for this Eastern Conference clash. The Celtics have all but wrapped up what has been a terrific regular season as they hold the league’s best record at 62-17. It marks only the second time in the last five years that a team has cracked the 60-win mark (2021/22 Suns being the other). Boston fell to a 104-91 away defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday in a game that saw an NBA record-low two free throws attempted. Naturally, with nothing left to play for, the Celtics players clearly weren't playing with the same intensity level as players look to avoid injury. The statistics back this up with Boston failing to shoot a single free throw and team more than content to keep things on the perimeter as they jacked up 52 three-pointers. Porzingis and Horford also missed out in the game vs the Bucks and it would be a surprise if they were risked here against what is a very physical New York team.

The New York Knicks come into this contest off the back of a 128-117 home win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. The victory was the second in a row for Tom Thibodeau’s squad and their third in the last four overall. The Knicks have moved up to third in the East standings with their record of 47-32. They currently lead the Cavaliers and Magic by just a single game while also holding a 1.5 game lead over sixth-place Indiana. New York deserves a lot of credit for the success they’ve had despite dealing with a number of injuries all season long. Jalen Brunson has elevated his game to a new level in the absence of Julius Randle, who will miss the rest of the season. They've received positive news in the form of OG Anunoby who has recently returned to the lineup after an extended period on the sidelines.