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The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks in a matinee matchup on Sunday. New York is 5-8 on the season, though the Knicks have lost five consecutive games as they arrive in Boston. The Celtics are 8-3 after picking up a victory over the Orlando Magic in their last contest. Jayson Tatum (protocols), Robert Williams (protocols) and Romeo Langford (wrist) are out for the Celtics, with Kemba Walker (knee), Daniel Theis (finger) and Tacko Fall (ankle) listed as questionable. Alec Burks (ankle) is doubtful for New York, with Frank Ntilikina (knee) ruled out.

Tip-off is at 1 p.m. ET in Boston. William Hill Sportsbook lists the Celtics as 7.5-point home favorites, up from the opener, while the over-under, or total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, is 212.5 in the latest Knicks vs. Celtics odds. Before you make any Celtics vs. Knicks picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, and it returned over $5,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks last season. The model is up nearly $8,100 over the past two-plus seasons. Dating back to last season, it is also on a stunning 67-38 roll on top-rated picks against the spread, returning almost $2,500 on those selections alone. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Knicks vs. Celtics. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting trends for Celtics vs. Knicks:

  • Knicks vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -7.5
  • Knicks vs. Celtics over-under: 212.5 points
  • Knicks vs. Celtics money line: Celtics -310, Knicks +255
  • NY: The Knicks are 4-6 against the spread in the last 10 games
  • BOS: The Celtics are 6-2 against the spread in the last eight games

Why the Knicks can cover

The Knicks have improved under the direction of Tom Thibodeau, even while acknowledging the team's recent struggles. Julius Randle is playing at a fantastic level, averaging 23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game this season. He is flanked by a balanced scoring attack, headlined by second-year standout RJ Barrett, who is averaging 16.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest. New York is above-average on the offensive glass, garnering 27.7 percent of available rebounds, and that puts pressure on the opposition. 

Defensively, Thibodeau's influence is clearly felt, including a top-10 mark in effective field goal percentage allowed (52.0 percent). New York is also above-average in free throw rate allowed, and the Knicks are allowing only 23.3 assists per game to their opponents, a figure that ranks in the top-10 of the NBA.

Why the Celtics can cover

Boston responded to the bizarre nature of the season with a 27-point win over Orlando in its most recent outing, even after three consecutive postponements. The Celtics are also the more talented team in this matchup, with appeal on both sides of the floor. Boston is a top-eight offensive team on a per-possession, scoring 113.7 points per 100 possessions so far this season. The Celtics utilize their star power well, but head coach Brad Stevens is also renowned for his ability to scheme. Boston is a top-five offensive rebounding team, grabbing 29.5 percent of its own missed shots, and the Celtics put constant pressure on the rim. 

Defensively, the Celtics have very strong talent, and they create a turnover on 14.7 percent of possessions, an above-average figure. Boston's playmaking also extends to blocks and steals, with 6.4 blocks and 8.9 steals per game, both top-10 marks.

How to make Knicks vs. Celtics picks

SportsLine's model is leaning under on the total, with the teams projected to combine for 205 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time. You can get that pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Celtics vs. Knicks? And which side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the Knicks vs. Celtics spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks.