We have reached the very last day of the 2020-21 NBA betting regular season. All 30 teams are in action across the league today as seeding for both the NBA Play-In Tournament and the postseason is finalized. We will also find out the final seeding for the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery. Among the early action on Sunday is a matchup between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks at the most iconic arena in sports. The NBA odds have sided with the home team as a very large favorite for the pregame Celtics vs Knicks prediction.
Celtics vs Knicks Game Info
Boston Celtics (36-35, 15-20 Away) vs. New York Knicks (40-31, 24-11 Home)
Date: Sunday, May 16, 2021
Start Time: 1 p.m. EST
Venue: Madison Square Garden — New York, NY
Coverage: ESPN
Celtics vs Knicks NBA Betting Odds
Moneyline: BOS: (+475) | NYK: (-750)
Spread: BOS: +11.5 (-110) | NYK: -11.5 (-110)
Total: 213.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Celtics vs Knicks NBA Betting Overview
Celtics Outlook
Today’s season finale is also the second game of a road back-to-back for the Celtics. Boston has settled into the 7-seed in the Eastern Conference standings and will be among the four teams involved in the first NBA Play-In Tournament. A win today would enable the Celtics to finish the season two games north of .500. Unfortunately, they will be facing a whole lot of adversity before the opening tip even happens.
Some might be surprised to see Boston as such a large NBA betting underdog for this rivalry game. The fact of the matter is that the Celtics will be without a ton of players against the Knicks this afternoon. No injury looms larger than that of Jaylen Brown, who will miss any and all remaining games after undergoing wrist surgery this week. Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Robert Williams, Marcus Smart, Evan Fournier and Tristan Thompson are also all unavailable this afternoon. If the Celtics are to pull off a win in the regular-season finale, it’ll take a massive effort from a cast of bench players.
Celtics Injury Report
- Out: Jaylen Brown (wrist), Kemba Walker (neck), Marcus Smart (calf), Robert Williams (toe), Tristan Thompson (chest), Jayson Tatum (ankle), Evan Fournier (knee)
Knicks Outlook
The Knicks enter today’s NBA betting matchup with both a major health advantage and the added motivation of something to play for. With a record of 40-31, Tom Thibodeau’s team still has a shot to claim a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Given that New York was expected to be amongst those teams headed to the NBA Draft Lottery this season, it is truly a remarkable accomplishment. Their win over the Charlotte Hornets yesterday coupled with the Miami Heat losing gives the Knicks the inside track to the No. 4 seed. A win in today’s Celtics vs Knicks matchup and they will host a First Round playoff series.
One could actually argue that New York is healthy as it’s been since the very beginning of the season entering today’s game. Small forward Alec Burks recently rejoined the rotation after an extended absence to round out the Knicks’ backcourt. In yesterday’s overtime win, team MVP Julius Randle was spectacular yet again with a 33-point triple-double line. Reggie Bullock, Derrick Rose, Burks and Immanuel Quickley all joined him in double figures scoring. It’s hard to envision the Knicks squandering the opportunity they have in front of them today against a depleted Celtics squad.
Knicks Injury Report
- Out: Mitchell Robinson (foot)
Celtics vs Knicks NBA Betting Trends
- Celtics 2020-21 Betting Trends: 32-38-1 ATS; 37-34 to the Over
- Knicks 2020-21 Betting Trends: 45-25-1 ATS; 32-29 to the Over
- Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as a road NBA betting underdog.
- Knicks are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games when playing on zero days rest.
- The under has hit in five of the last six Celtics vs Knicks matchups.
Celtics vs Knicks Stats
- Boston is averaging 112.9 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 16 in the NBA)
- Boston is surrendering 111.4 PPG on the season (No. 12 in the NBA)
- New York is averaging 107.2 PPG this season (No. 26 in the NBA)
- New York is surrendering 104.9 PPG (No. 1 in the NBA)
Celtics vs Knicks Prediction
Although both teams are faced with a quick turnaround after playing just 24 hours ago, the healthy Knicks are in a much better position on Sunday. The NBA betting odds have rightfully made New York a massive favorite ahead of the game. Yet, it remains fair to wonder whether a Boston cast led by Semi Ojeleye and Aaron Nesmith is capable of keeping it within the number.
Because of the large point spread, playing under the total of 213.5 seems like the best Celtics vs Knicks prediction that the NBA odds are affording. Both Boston and New York are strong defensive teams. Combine the Knicks league-leading scoring defense with a makeshift Celtics lineup and it really becomes a question of whether New York can do enough offensively to even bring the over into question.
Prediction: Under 213.5 (-110)
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