I’m 1-2 on this site in my NBA picks. Tonight I like the New York Knicks-Boston Celtics match-up.
New York Knicks (10-45) @ Boston Celtics (21-33)
Overview: The New York Knicks have lost 7 straight games. On Sunday they were defeated 101-83 at home versus the Cavaliers. Guard Langston Galloway led the way with 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting in 38 minutes. He had 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Lance Thomas scored 11 points on 5 of 12 shooting in 23 minutes. He also had 5 rebounds. Forward Quincy Acy netted 11 points on 4 of 10 shooting in 11 minutes off the bench. He also had 5 rebounds. Center Andrea Bargnani contributed with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. He was 5 of 11 from the field in 28 reserve minutes. Forwards Lou Amundson and Travis Wear each chipped in with 10 points apiece. They both also had 6 rebounds each. The team shot 37.4% from the field, 15.8% from the 3 point line, and 85.7% from the free throw line. The team is 29th in the league in points per game with 92.3. They are 20th in the league in points allowed with 100.5. They are 29th in the league in rebounds per game with 39.9 per game. They are 15th in the league in assists per game with 21.6 per game. They have failed to score 100 points in their last 9 games. They are 3-24 on the road this season. They have dropped their last 5 road games. They are 3-6 versus Atlantic division opponents. Tonight is the start of a brief 2 game road trip. Their next game is Friday at Detroit. New York currently owns the worst record in the league with a 10-45 mark. The Boston Celtics have won 5 of their last 8 games. On Monday they were victorious 115-110 at Phoenix. Guard Avery Bradley led the team in scoring with 23 points on 8 of 14 shooting in 29 minutes. He also had 6 steals, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Guard Isaiah Thomas came off the bench to score 21 points on 6 of 16 shooting in 27 minutes. He also had 7 assists. Forward Brandon Bass netted 18 points on 7 of 11 shooting in 30 minutes. He also had 6 rebounds. Center Tyler Zeller contributed with 12 points and 6 rebounds. He was 5 of 13 from the field in 36 minutes. Forward Jae Crowder chipped in with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was 4 of 13 from the field in 29 reserve minutes. The team shot 43.8% from the field, 48.3% from the 3 point line, and 76.7% from the free throw line. The team is 12th in the league in points per game with 101.3. They are 25th in the league in points allowed with 102.9. They are 13th in the league in rebounds per game with 43.8 per game. They are 4th in the league in assists per game with 24.5 per game. Their last 5 losses have been by a margin of less than 10 points. They are 12-15 at home this season. They have won their last 3 home games. They are 6-4 versus Atlantic division opponents. Tonight is the start of a 3 game home stand. Their next game is Friday at home versus the Hornets. The Celtics are currently 2 games back of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs race.
New York and Boston split their first 2 meetings this season. On December 12th the Knicks secured a 101-95 home win and February 3rd the Celtics notched a 108-97 road victory. After tonight the 2 teams play 1 more time this season, March 27th at New York.
Prediction: The Knicks’ awful season continues and now without star Carmelo Anthony for the rest of the season. The Celtics added a nice piece in guard Isaiah Thomas at the trade deadline and he’ll give them more scoring. The Celtics could sneak in to the playoffs if they can play just a little bit of defense. Play: Celtics -10.5 (Bet365)
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