Boston Celtics at New York Knicks odds, picks and predictions

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.

The Boston Celtics (0-1) visit the New York Knicks (1-0) Friday evening at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Knicks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

2024-25 season series: Celtics won 4-0; Knicks beat Celtics 4-2 in Eastern Conference semifinals

Boston lost its first game of the season Wednesday 117-116 against the Philadelphia 76ers, failing to cover as a 6-point home favorite as the Over (230.5) hit. G Jaylen Brown and G Derrick White each scored 25 points as 5 Celtics players had at least 13 points. The team led by as many as 13 points in the loss.

New York opened its season with a 119-111 win Wednesday over the Cleveland Cavaliers, covering as a 2-point home underdog with the Over (229) hitting. F OG Anunoby scored a team-high 25 points (4-of-9 shooting from 3) and had 14 rebounds as 5 Knicks players scored at least 15 points. The Knicks squandered a 17-point first-half lead before going on a 14-0 run to reclaim it for good in the win.

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Celtics at Knicks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:44 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Knicks -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +3.5 (-115) | Knicks -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Celtics at Knicks key injuries

Celtics

G Luka Garza (concussion) out
F Jayson Tatum (achilles) out

Knicks

F OG Anunoby (ankle) probable
G Josh Hart (back) questionable
C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out
C Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Celtics at Knicks picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 122, Celtics 115

Moneyline

PASS.

There is better value on the Knicks' spread.

Against the spread

BET KNICKS -3.5 (-105).

While the injury report, which features KAT, could sway the outcome of this game, if either of the season openers were any indication of how this matchup will go, the Knicks have a big-time advantage. Shooting just 35% from deep was enough for the Knicks, who distributed their team scoring extremely well. The team outrebounded the Cavs 48-32 while handling adversity well when they blew a lead.

The Celtics had some bright spots in their game against Philadelphia, but allowed 74 points between 2 players, who they could not seem to adjust against. Without Tatum on the court, the Celtics have a lot of adjustments that need to be made.

Over/Under

BET OVER 229.5 (-115).

The Celtics scored 116 points on Wednesday, with 4 of their 5 starters scoring at least 16 points. They did not shoot the ball particularly well, but showed flashes of quick pace that are indicative of their desire to continue with their previous year's style of play.

The Knicks scored 119 in their opener, with 4 of their 5 starters scoring at least 16 points and 7 players scoring at least 7 points. While they faltered at times, they showed an ability to control the game and go on runs where it felt like they could do no wrong, scoring in droves.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Seth Orlemann, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect