The New York Knicks will look to close out their opening round series with the Celtics when the two Atlantic Division rivals square off at the Madison Square Garden. This evening’s Game 5 clash is scheduled to tip off at 7:00pm ET on TNT. The odds makers firmly believe the Knicks will succeed in their task as the latest 2013 NBA Playoff Picks have New York listed as a -9 against the spread and -470 moneyline favorite. The total is tonight’s potential series finale is set at 180.5 points.
The Celtics have not shown a lot of post-halftime fight in this series as they were out-scored 123-173 in games one through four, but they did find some overtime success on Sunday.
Boston staved off an incredible second half rally from the Knicks, and lived to see another day by topping New York 13-6 in the extra frame. While the Celtics showed some heart and determination in avoiding the sweep, their Game 4 victory only delayed the inevitable.
The Knicks crushed the Celtics in game two at Madison Square Garden and tonight’s contest should play out in similar fashion with New York looking to close out the series in front of the home crowd.
Nothing about Boston’s performance in this series or against the Knicks since late last season (2012) would suggest it can hang with, yet alone overcome, New York tonight.
The Celtics are 2-7 in their last nine meetings with the Knicks and they are 1-4 in their last five games at Madison Square Garden (average margin of loss = 12.5 points per game).
Boston Celtics +9 (-110), Over 180.5 (-110), +370 (Moneyline)
New York Knicks -9 (-110), Under 180.5 (-110), -470 (Moneyline)
NBA Free Picks: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks BettingWhat pro basketball bettors need to know about Boston Celtics at New York Kncks on Wednesday (5/01/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Steve Fezzik with Vegas Runner and Bryan Leonard.