The Boston Celtics (0-2) and New York Knicks (2-0) will face off in Game 3 of their second round NBA Playoff series this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Celtics are 5.5-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread (Celtics -5.5), with the over/under set at 206.5 total points. Boston is a -245 favorite to win outright, while New York is +200 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks Saturday, May 10.
Celtics vs. Knicks Picks, Prediction for NBA Playoffs Game 3
My Knicks vs. Celtics Game 3 best bet is on Boston to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best price using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Celtics -5.5 (-115)
Celtics vs. Knicks Odds for Saturday, May 10
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -115 | 206.5 -110 / -110 | -245 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -105 | 206.5 -110 / -110 | +200 |
- Celtics vs. Knicks spread: Celtics -5.5
- Celtics vs. Knicks over/under: 206.5 total points
- Celtics vs. Knicks moneyline: Celtics -245, Knicks +200
- Celtics vs. Knicks best bet:Celtics -5.5 (-115)
Celtics vs. Knicks Game 3 Preview
I'm taking Boston -5.5 in Game 3 today. Let’s just get that out right up front.
The idea that the the first two matchups of the series were entirely shot variance is false. Two different things happened in those games:
- In Game 1, the Celtics shot a metric ton of threes, but didn’t generate good ones, consistently taking pull-up and transition long range attempts.
- In Game 2, they actually created great catch-and-shoot threes… but didn’t take enough of them, and tried to prove they could do something other than shoot threes for an offense that is literally built on taking threes.
The Knicks very seriously took advantage of bad play from the Celtics. They did not play well, the Knicks played two great quarters and took two games.
The pathways for Boston in this spot are pretty numerous. They can defend at a better level than they have and even if their offense keeps going haywire. They can execute the offense better to create layups and better scoring chances even if they miss their threes.
Or they could just make their threes…
As a testament to how the Knicks’ defense has been, Derrick White averaged six catch-and-shoot three-point attempts in the regular season. He has averaged 10 such attempts in this series.
This isn’t to say everything is under Boston’s control, or that the Knicks don’t have adjustments in their bag to go to. They’ve found something significant playing Mitchell Robinson, to the point that Joe Mazzulla short-circuited with his plan of going Hack-A.
The Knicks got a great Karl-Anthony Towns game last time out. There are still pathways.
However, the Celtics are 9-4 SU and ATS off a loss under Joe Mazzulla, and 23-10 SU and ATS after a loss since 2019-20.
Their season is on the line, and while I think the line is a little heavy, Boston desperately needs this game, and I do have the Celtics favored on the road in Game 3.
Celtics vs. Knicks Betting Predictions for Game 3
Over 206.5
I make this game 207 by my projections.
In games with a team up 2-0 heading back home for Game 3, the over is 16-6 since 2003 with a +4.7 total differential.
The market moved this from an opening line of 210.5 down to 206.5, and that’s too much of a market correction to the original number.
The biggest adjustment is Boston’s offense.
The Knicks’ offensive floor is pretty high, even against a good Boston defense with Brunson and the wings, plus their advantage on the boards.
Derrick White Over 16.5 Points
White has gone over this line in three straight games, and as I said above, will continue to get good opportunities on catch-and-shoot threes.
I don’t want the three-pointers line because I got caught on the hook last game, and I'm still traumatized.
Payton Pritchard Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
Pritchard, however, has way too short of a line on threes and I’ll grab this over.
If the Celtics do win this game comfortably, Pritchard will still play. He takes the most shots in garbage time for Boston.
Celtics vs. Knicks Game 3 Best Bets
- Celtics -5.5 (-115)
- Over 206.5 (-110)
- Derrick White Over 16.5 Points (-105)
- Payton Pritchard Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-160)
Knicks vs. Celtics Betting Trends
