The Boston Celtics have arrived. Despite the NBA betting loss of Jayson Tatum for the entire season, the Boston Celtics are finding a way to win. It was not easy, and it took a month. But head coach Joe Mazzulla found the right formula to put the Celtics back into the race as a serious NBA contender.
The Celtics’ rise contrasts with the New York Knicks’ fall. New York began the season strong and seemed to be building on last year’s playoff success that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals. But the concerns that gamblers had about the coaching change from demanding taskmaster Tom Thibodeau to the more player-friendly Mike Brown are looking more legitimate. Concurrently, New York is in free fall, gushing red ink, and surrendering all its early profit gains.
In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets are emerging as the top threats to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, OKC appears much more human than they were in the first two months of the season.r
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks’ online betting problems began when they won the NBA Cup on December 13 against the Orlando Magic. Of great concern is that it may mark the Knicks’ season peak.
The New York Knicks have lost eight of their last ten games straight up and have covered only two of their last 12 games against the spread. Under Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. However, under Mike Brown, New York is taking too many possessions off. The Knicks have slipped to rank 13th in the NBA for fewest points allowed. New York has to outscore its opponents for success and ranks an impressive 7th in the NBA for scoring offense, 3rd for 3-point shooting, and 5th for offensive rebounds.
The offense is powered by Jalen Brunson, who is battling an ankle injury and is day-to-day. In sum, Brunson is averaging a team-best 28.2 points and 6.1 assists per game.
New York hosts the Dallas Mavericks on January 19 at 5 p.m. ET with NBA betting television coverage on NBC. Next is a January 21 home game against the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET. And then on January 24, the Knicks have a road game against the Philadelphia 76ers at 3 p.m. ET with coverage on ABC.
Boston Celtics
Since late November, the Boston Celtics have been one of the most profitable teams in the NBA. Boston is 16-9 against the spread in its last 25 games, with payouts in its most recent two games. Additionally, Boston went under the total in 12 of its last 17 games.
The reason that Boston has transformed into a profitable team that trends under the total is defense. The Celtics rank 2nd in the NBA in fewest points allowed, 3rd in defending field goals, and 6th in defensive rebounding. Further complementing the defense is an offense that is more productive than expected. Boston ranks 12th in the NBA for scoring and is 3rd for 3-point field goals.
Namely, Jaylen Brown is carrying the offensive burden for Boston. Brown is averaging 29.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Neemias Queta adds 10.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest. Payton Pritchard, who remains a game-time decision with an ankle issue, is averaging 16.6 points and 5.4 assists per contest. And then Derrick White brings 18.1 points and 5.4 assists per contest. Head coach Joe Mazzulla continues to impress, turning in his best performance since taking over the Celtics in the 2022-23 campaign.
On January 19, Boston has a tough road game against the Detroit Pistons. NBC will televise the action at 8 p.m. ET. On January 21, the Celtics host the Indiana Pacers at 7:30 p.m. ET. Next is a January 23 road game against the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET. And then on January 24, the Celtics are in Chicago for a matchup against the Bulls at 8 p.m. ET.