If this preview was written before the NBA regular season got underway, then somewhere in it there would be mention of a possible Eastern conference final matchup possibility between these teams down the road. However, with both the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics struggling out of the gate, no NBA sports betting fan is taking for granted that both of these teams will even be there in the conference’s elite eight once the postseason gets underway. The Knicks will travel to Boston this Friday with both teams looking to build some momentum as the calendar turns in to February, and all of the big names will be there fighting to get on track.
New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics
Friday February 3, 2012 – 8:00 PM ET
TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NBA Sportsbook Line: Boston Celtics (line not available)
While the concern for the Celtics’ trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen has been their ability to perform despite their ages, a more concerning problem has come up with the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony looks overweight and has severely underperformed, an issue that really dragged on a New York team that won just two of eight games to close out January.
Betting On Knicks Celtics Preview: New York Knicks
Knicks’ fans could never have projected that their team would be five games below .500 at this point in the season, not after signing center Tyson Chandler in the offseason to compliment Anthony and Amare Stoudamire. The blow suffered with the loss of Chauncey Billups has been underestimated, and while young Iman Shumpert has played well, but he hasn’t brought to the floor the experience and pure talent that Billups did. Without Billups New York will need more from its stars, and the spotlight is on Anthony and Stoudamire to pick it up.
Betting On Knicks Celtics Preview: Boston Celtics
Head coach Doc Rivers didn’t mince words when he explained to reporters why Paul Pierce sat for most of the final quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. At the same time, Pierce was right there in the fourth quarter of Boston’s win at Cleveland on Tuesday, making sure they didn’t blow another big lead at the end. The Celtics were still outscored 32-17 in that final frame despite winning on Tuesday, and their ability to put teams away late has become a legitimate concern. The return of a healthy Rajon Rondo will help in that area long term, but the veterans will still need to step up in the clutch.
Betting On Knicks Celtics Preview: Outlook & Pick
For as awful as the Knicks have been as a best sportsbook option this season, they still have the talent to keep this game close, even if they are trailing by a substantial amount heading in to the fourth quarter. The rivalry between New York and Boston is well documented, and should be enough to spark the Knicks’ stars to have one of their better road games.
Betting On Knicks Celtics Pick: New York Knicks