Just five months after Game 7 loss in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Heat, the Boston Celtics enter the 2023-24 NBA season with high expectations once again.
And for good reason.
Boston acquired All-Star guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason to help bolster a core — highlighted by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — that led the Celtics to a 57-25 record last season.
The Knicks finished 10 games back of the Celtics for first place in the Atlantic Division, but New York still managed a playoff spot and a first-round series win over Cleveland.
In both teams’ season opener, New York hosts Boston on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden and the Celtics are three-point road favorites.
Last season, Boston captured the first matchup in New York but the Knicks won the final three meetings, including two in overtime at TD Garden.
Celtics vs. Knicks Odds (FanDuel)
- Spread: Celtics -3 (-110), Knicks +3 (-110)
- Total: Over 22.5 (-112), Under 222.5 (-108)
- Moneyline: Celtics -146, Knicks +124
The Knicks won and covered five of their final six times in the home underdog role last season, with the lone loss coming in overtime to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Celtics closed the regular season on a 12-5 run against the spread and three of those ATS losses came as a double-digit favorite.
Betting on the NBA?
New York and Brooklyn were tied for the worst home records (23-18) of any of the eight Eastern Conference playoff teams last season, as the Celtics won more road games (25) than the Knicks won home games.
While the Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks have the top odds to win the NBA championship this season, there are questions if the Knicks can even make another playoff run.
Laying a short number on the road shouldn’t be asking much here from Boston.
The pick: Celtics -3
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