Celtics vs. Knicks Preview & Best Bets: Reloaded Knicks Hope to Avoid the Sweep

I've been looking forward to this matchup for more than a week.On this week's episode of The Vibe Check, we talked about things we were looking forward most this week, and for me it was this game right here, the Celtics versus the Knicks.

So with just three games on the calendar, I took the time to dive deep into this one; potentially being a preview of the Eastern Conference Final.

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Celtics vs. Knicks Game Information

Matchup Information

• Location: Madison Square Garden; New York, NY.
• Date: February 24th, 2024
• Time: 8:30 PM EST

Betting Odds

Courtesy of Bovada

Spread

• Celtics -6 (-110)
• Knicks +6 (-110)

Moneyline

• Celtics (-240)
• Knicks (+195)

Total

• Over 224.5 (-110)
• Under 224.5 (-110)

Celtics vs. Knicks Preview & Best Bets

The Knicks and the Celtics, one of the oldest rivalries in sports. Over the last few years, it's been less of a rivalry and more beatdown.

The Celtics have gone 16-7 against the Knicks with Jayson Tatum, and they've won all three matchups this year. This game will mark the last matchup between the division rivals, until a potential meeting in the post-season.

The two teams haven't met since early December, and since then the Knicks have restructured most of their roster with huge additions like Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.

The Knicks have also been hit by some unfortunate injuries. Julius Randle is currently out with a dislocated shoulder, even saying he hasn't yet ruled out surgery.

Another big addition the Knicks made, OG Anunoby, is healing after he underwent surgery to remove a bone fragment from his elbow area.

With so many players out for the Knicks, it's hard to call this a true preview of a potential playoff matchup; but with the Knicks and Celtics looking like juggernauts in the east, its hard not to.

A. Horford o1.5 3s (+140) via Bovada

Yeah, we bet him all the time. But when does Al Horford not come through for the gang, NEVER. He only exists for big games, and tonight in New York, it's a big game.

Al's played the Knicks three times this season, and he's hit this line in two of three games; all games with Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. In his most recent game he went 3/6 from deep, on just 8 field goal attempts.

Going back to last season, Al's over this line in five of six, averaging 7.2 field goals attempts per game, with 5.2 3P attempts per game.

We're taking this for the value, and because Big Game Al is someone I love betting on.

A. Horford o1.5 3s (+140) via Bovada

Sprinkle: A. Horford 3+ (450) | A. Horford 4+ (+1200)

J. Brunson u28.5 Points (-115) via Bovada

An under, we're gonna sweat this one out together. Jalen Brunson is playing like an MVP, and I feel sick even writing this.

Since joining the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has not had much success against the Celtics. He's played them six times over two seasons, averaged 21.3 points per game, shooting 44% from the field and 25% from deep.

The Celtics have done a great job of neutralizing Brunson, and I'm predicting a similar type gameplan today. Over their last 15 games, the Celtics have held opponents to 109 points per game, and giving up just 18.9 free throw attempts per game (t-1st).

Brunson averages 6.4 free throw attempts per game, even up to 8.3 per game this month. If the Celtics can minimize his trips to the line tonight, I love our chances at cashing this under.

Sweat this out with me, I can't do it alone.

J. Brunson u28.5 Points (-115) via Bovada

K. Porzingis o19.5 Points (-115) via Bovada

For our last play, we're going as square as can be; we're taking Kristaps Porzingis against the team that drafted him.

I don't have a long winded explanation, he's been fantastic all year. He's averaging 23.8 points per game in his last give, shooting 54% from the field, and he's the most efficient post-scorer in the NBA.

He's hit this line in all 3 matchups this season, and all three last season. He hasn't stopped smiling since he got to Boston, and I'm expecting him to return to Boston with the exact same smile on his face.

K. Porzingis o19.5 Points (-115) via Bovada

Sprinkle: K. Porzingis 25+ (+250) | 30+ (+700)

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THE VIBE CHECK ✅

In Episode 1, the lads dive into…

✅Biggest let down as a fan of your Favorite Team
✅Kenny Smith's comments after Steph vs Sabrina
✅Are the Media are too involved in Athletes lives?

Enjoy It🎧⬇️https://t.co/84AWSTTk1p pic.twitter.com/VncUL87JDK

— Betting News (@YourBettingNews) February 19, 2024

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