The Boston Celtics get to hang another championship NBA Banner at TD Garden. It is the iconic franchise's 18th championship, the most in the history of the NBA. It is also the first banner being raised since 2008, and the 2023-24 Boston Celtics could be the greatest Celtics championship team of all time.

64 regular season wins and a 16-3 playoff record, the second best since the NBA moved every playoff round to a best of seven format. How does this in any way have a bearing on their opening game of 2024 and our Knicks vs. Celtics predictions? Simply put their roster has virtually gone unchanged.

 

 

 

Knicks vs. Celtics Predictions For NBA Opening Night, Tuesday, 10/22

Kristaps Porzingis is out and that is forcing Al Horford into the starting lineup. He will be joined by Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. Essentially the starting lineup for the 2024 NBA Finals. 

They will be emotional, and it could come out in multiple forms; tears, exuberant joy, hugging and a true appreciation for fellow teammates and coaching staff, and of course adrenaline. Let’s bust into our Knicks vs. Celtics picks!

 

 

 

New York Knicks: New Year, New Team

The New York Knicks have essentially gone all in to win their first Eastern Conference of this century. The proud NBA organization made the moves they deemed necessary to win the Eastern Conference, and hopefully the NBA Finals. To state it another way, the Knicks assembled a team to rival the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals or prior if need be.

They traded cornerstone pieces of last year’s run and brought in new players that are expected to end their quarter of a century finals drought. They acquired F/C Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Keita Bates-Diop, guard Donte DiVincenzo, forward Julius Randle and a first-round pick… a 3+ for 1 move on a player that has shown an inability to stay healthy. 

However, a 7' scorer who has displayed an ability to score as much as a guard is a smart move. A mismatch problem for both the Celtics and the Pacers who lack a dominant center. Most of the Eastern Conference does too, which is another reason the Knicks made the move for Anthony-Towns. 

The Knicks also brought in Mikal Bridges who is expected to make a big impact in their performance. A great off the ball player who should compliment Jalen Brunson well. Both of these new acquisitions will be with Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby in the first game of the 2024 NBA Season.

 

 

 

Boston Celtics: How Will The Minutes Shake Out?

There are several bets for the opening night but one that really sticks out, and that is the 2007 draft pick’s rebounding line, under 6.5 rebounds.

Al Horford was speculated to possibly retire, but also stated he plans on playing until he is 40. The 38-year-old former 3rd overall pick is a champion, and perhaps not as driven as before, but the heart of a competitor rarely allows for poor performances.

Horford is listed as the starting center, and deservingly so with Kristaps Porzingis out to begin the season. However, Luke Kornet, the backup center, could play more minutes than Horford with those same emotions.

Horford could be starting on seniority, as he only played one pre-season game and will be on a minutes restriction to begin the season. Horford managed to achieve 7 rebounds just once in the Celtics last eleven regular season games. Under 6.5 rebounds seems like a safe bet entering into tonight.

 

 

 

Knicks vs. Celtics Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Regarding the Knicks vs. Celtics odds, the spread is in favor of the Celtics -5.5 across basically all platforms. They should cover the spread against a team trying to find themselves in our Knicks vs. Celtics predictions. After all Anthony-Towns has only been with the team since October 2nd. 

The Knicks have a great season ahead of them, and possibly their best season since the Patrick Ewing era. It’s going to be a special night for Boston Celtics fans in the stadium, and across the world, as they look to celebrate the banner being raised with a win.

 

 

 

Knicks vs. Celtics Injury Report & Starting Lineup

New York Injuries:

New York Starting Lineup:

Boston Injuries:

  • Kristaps Porzingis, C - Out (Foot)

Boston Starting Lineup:

 

 

 

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