Celtics at Knicks Under 216 1/2
This should be an intense opening game between two long-time division rivals. Tom Thibodeau transformed the Knicks into being the top defensive team in the NBA last season. New York gave up a league-low 104.7 points a game.
There’s a good chance center Mitchell Robinson will be healthy enough to play for the Knicks. That would be an added plus for the Under as Robinson is an excellent shot blocker, but limited offensively.
Brad Stevens made a great head coaching hire in Ime Udoka. He’s a no-nonsense coach. The Celtics should be improved defensively. They no longer have Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier and Tristan Thompson. That’s a plus for defense and a minus for offense.
Jaylen Brown, who was the Celtics’ second-leading scorer at 24.7 points last season, is on the COVID list and questionable to play. If Brown does suit up, he likely won’t be at 100 percent.
The teams averaged a combined 189.3 points in their three meetings last season with none of the scores going above 200 points.
I have my NBA Game of the Week heading my Wednesday card, which in addition to this free selection, includes an NBA sides play and a play on the Astros-Red Sox. I have won my last five baseball premium plays.
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