New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics prediction and preview | Oct. 22, 2024

The NBA is officially back on Tuesday with two games on the schedule for opening night, including the New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics. The game will be held at the TD Garden in Boston as the Celtics raise their 18th championship banner in the rafters.

Celtics players are also set to receive their rings before facing the revamped Knicks led by Jalen Brunson. The two teams faced each other five times last season, with Boston dominating the series 4-1. They didn't get matched up in the playoffs after the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Knicks in the second round.

New York had an impressive 4-1 record in the preseason, only losing the final game against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics also went 4-1 and were only defeated by the Toronto Raptors.

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New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Preview and Odds for 2024-25 NBA season

Moneyline: Knicks (+185) vs Celtics (-225)

Spread: Knicks +5.5 (-110) vs Celtics -5.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Knicks o221.5 (-116) vs Celtics u221.5 (-111)

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New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics preview

The New York Knicks went all in this offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and bringing back OG Anunoby with a huge extension. The Knicks also signed Jalen Brunson to a new deal, while also getting Karl-Anthony Towns during training camp from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It could take time for the team to gel together, but their quality is among the best in the league. The only problem for coach Tom Thibodeau is the lack of depth. Miles McBride, Cameron Payne and Precious Achiuwa are solid options off the bench, but there's not much else.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics barely made any changes to their championship roster. Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, Drew Peterson, Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser were all brought back with new contracts. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White were also signed to massive extensions.

The only problem for Boston is their frontcourt depth took a hit with Kristaps Porzingis' injury. Porzingis is out until late December or early January, so Al Horford and Kornet are set to man the paint for the first two to three months of the season.

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New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups

Knicks

G - Jalen Brunson | G - Mikal Bridges | F - Josh Hart | F - OG Anunoby | C - Karl-Anthony Towns

Celtics

G - Jrue Holiday | G - Derrick White | F - Jaylen Brown | F - Jayson Tatum | C - Al Horford

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New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics betting tips

Jalen Brunson has an over/under of 28.5 points, which is slightly lower than his scoring average of 28.7 points per game last season. Brunson will remain the No. 1 option for the Knicks but is projected to go under on opening night. The Celtics will make things tough for him so, bet on him to go score lower than 28.5 points.

Jayson Tatum is predicted to score 25 points against the Knicks. He has an over/under of 26.5 points, which is lower than his average of 26.9 last season. He could easily go over despite the projections so, take your money and bet on him to go over tonight.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics prediction

The Boston Celtics are the betting favorites for tonight's game at the TD Garden. The game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. EST. The Celtics will have no problem adjusting to Kristaps Porzingis' absence, but the Knicks could take advantage of it with Karl-Anthony Towns.

But as mentioned earlier, the Knicks might need some time before they can build chemistry and gel together. Prediction is a close win for the defending NBA champions.