Knicks vs Celtics Pick: NBA Betting Prediction for Dec 8

New York Knicks (12-8 SU, 12-8 ATS) vs. Boston Celtics (15-5 SU, 8-11 ATS)

When: Friday, December 8th, 7:30 PM (ET)

Where: TD Garden, MA, Boston

TV: NBCS

Point Spread: NY +7/Bos -7 (Did you know that you could be betting on games at -105 odds instead of -110?)

Total: 219.5

Money Line: Knickerbockers +222/Celtics -275

Notable Injuries

Knicks

Celtics

• Kristaps Porzingis (Probable) Calf

Recent Form

The Knicks head into today’s action with an overall record of 12-8 and have gone 2-1 over their previous three games. Across their 20 games, the Knicks have recorded a 10-5 record when facing teams from the Eastern Conference and a 2-3 record in non-conference games.

Today, the Celtics are entering the action with an overall record of 15-5 and have achieved a 2-1 record over their last three games. Away from home, the Celtics have a 6-5 record this season while maintaining a 9-0 record in their home games.

The Historicals

Through the last 5 matchups between the teams, New York has an ATS mark of 4-1. But, looking at the scoring margin in these games, an average of just 0 points per game separates the teams. In these contests, they averaged a combined 224 points per game, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

New York’s offense is coming off a strong performance, scoring 122 points against the Bucks. They had an overall field goal percentage of 49.4% and made 29/33 free throws. Leading the team in scoring was Julius Randle with 41 points. Jalen Brunson also added 24 points for the Knicks.

This season, the Knicks’ defense has been impressive, holding the 3rd position in the league while permitting an average of 107.5 points per contest.

In terms of takeaways, the Knicks are causing 12.3 turnovers per game, ranking 7th in the league. They also enter the matchup ranked 30th in rejections, averaging 3 blocked shots each game.

Coming off their recent game, the Celtics offense tallied 112 points in a matchup against the Pacers. Their field goal percentage for the game was 47.4%, and they made 12 threes. Jayson Tatum led the scoring for the Celtics, contributing 32 points. Additionally, Jaylen Brown chipped in with 30 points.

This season, the Celtics defense has been impressive, holding the 4th position in the league while permitting an average of 108.1 points per contest.

In their previous game, the Celtics’ defense struggled against the Pacers, giving up 122 points on a field goal percentage of 47%.

Betting Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, New York has an ATS record of 1-2 while averaging 113 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• Across the Celtics’ last five home games, the team averaged 107 points per game while allowing 112. Their record vs. the spread in these contests was 0-5 while going 2-3 straight-up.
• The last ten games that New York was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 2-8 straight up.
• The last ten games that Boston was favored, they have an ATS mark of 3-7 while going 7-3 straight up.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Both the Celtics and Knicks are coming off quarter-final losses in the in-season tournament and will look to get back on track. The Celtics come into this one favored by seven and are looking forward to getting Kristaps Porzingis back in the fold after his calf injury. In this one, I not only like Boston to win, but cover at -7. Bet your Knicks/Celtics pick for FREE by scoring a fat 100% real cash bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 when you use bonus code PREDICT100 at MyBookie Sportsbook!