 |
vs.
|
 |
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks head home down 2-0 to the Boston Celtics as they try to rebound with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Friday in the Big Apple.
Date/Time: Friday, April 22, 7:05 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
Broadcast: ESPN
Money Line: Boston +140 / New York -160
Spread: New York -3 ½
Over/Under: 191
Click Here for more Free Expert NBA Playoff Basketball Picks
The Knicks battled to the end in back-to-back games in Boston, but their porous defense down the stretch dashed all hopes from snatching a win in the series’ first two games.
Meanwhile, the Celtics took advantage of playing on their home court and played outstanding, especially in closing out both contests in the waning minutes.
The Knicks will face additional challenges in tonight’s match up as two of the teams’ key players have been hit with injuries. Amare Stoudemire, who sat out most Game 2 with back spasms, will probably see limited action once again, while Chauncey Billups is a game time decision with a strained tendon in his knee that sidelined him on Wednesday night.
However, newcomer Carmelo Anthony is coming off superb performance in Boston, racking up 42 points and 17 rebounds, helping his team stay in it despite being short-handed. Playing at home could be the boost in confidence the Knicks’ so desperately need as they try to avoid going down by three games in the series.
Boston in the meantime showed no signs of weakness as their playoff veterans put on show in Game 1 with all five starters scoring in double figures, and then turned around in Game 2 with four duplicating the feat. Rajon Rondo led the way with 30 points.
Still, head coach Doc Rivers cannot be very happy as his team allowed New York to yank down 20 offensive rebounds in Game 2, and are still looking for better production from a Boston bench that has averaged just 11 PPG through the first two in the series.
The Boys from Beantown are now 6-0 on the year against the Knicks heading into Friday’s contest, and would love to sweep the series just as they did in the regular season, but it’s more likely they will be happy to split in New York.
The odds makers have the New York Knicks as a -3.5 point favorite with an over/under of 191.
Check out the latest NBA Basketball Playoff Odds here.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Celtics – Even thought the Knicks are due for a win in this series, I am not sure they can find a way to break down such an experienced Boston squad who has the playoff wherewithal. It’s surprising that the odds makers are backing New York here, considering their injury list. If they can get out strong, it could bolster their chances. However, the Knicks were able to jump out to leads in both Games 1 and 2, but could not hold on. I look for Boston to grab Game 3.
Click Here for more Free Expert NBA Playoff Basketball Picks
Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks 2011 Playoff Schedule
Game 4: Sun. April 24: Boston @ New York – 3:30 pm EST on ABC
Game 5: Tue. April 26: New York @ Boston – TBD
*Game 6: Fri. April 29: Orlando @ New York – TBD
*Game 7: Sun. May 01: New York @ Boston – TBD
* If necessary
Boston Celtics Betting Trends:
- The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Boston’s last 22 games
- Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Boston’s last 13 games on the road
New York Knicks Betting Trends:
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York’s last 7 games
- New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York’s last 7 games at home
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.