Knicks vs Celtics - Preview & Best Bets

The New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics are set to tip off their seasons in a marquee matchup on opening night, bringing the intensity and rivalry of two Eastern Conference heavyweights back to the forefront. This game promises a clash of grit and skill, with both teams looking to make a statement as they begin their 2024 campaigns. Here’s a breakdown of the game, key storylines, and the best bets for this thrilling matchup.

A major storyline heading into this contest is the absence of Celtics’ star Kristaps Porzingis. The big man’s absence will certainly impact Boston’s game plan, especially on the defensive end. Without Porzingis protecting the rim and stretching the floor on offense, the Celtics will have to rely more heavily on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to carry the load.

This opens the door for the Knicks’ frontcourt to have a bigger impact, particularly Karl-Anthony Towns. With Porzingis sidelined, Towns will likely find more opportunities to dominate in the post and around the basket. His versatility and scoring ability could be a significant advantage for the Knicks as they look to pull off an upset. 

Both the Knicks and the Celtics are known for their defensive prowess, and with this being opening night, expect both teams to lock in on that end of the floor. Coaches Tom Thibodeau and Joe Mazzulla will emphasize setting a defensive tone early in the season, making it likely that scoring opportunities will be hard to come by. The physical play and strategic matchups could result in a lower-scoring game, with both teams looking to stifle each other’s offensive rhythms.

Best Bets: 

• Knicks +5.5
• Under 223
• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 21.5 Points 
• Josh Hart Over 8.5 Rebounds