On 02\/23, Saturday, the Boston Celtics (40-16) will host the New York Knicks (37-19) in an Eastern Conference Regular Season match-up. The Celtics are comfortably lodged at the second spot in the East whereas Knicks are behind them in the third spot. Will the defending champions hand another beatdown to the Knickerbockers? Learn about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.<\/p>
Celtics: Back on track<\/strong><\/p> The Boston Celtics will come into this game after a 124-104 blowout win against the Philadelphia 76ers as Payton Pritchard piled up 28 points. The 20-point win was their fourth straight and the defending champs have won eight out of the last nine games. In that period, they have made an impressive 18.4 triples per game(1st) on a terrific 39.5% clip(2nd). Meanwhile, they have given up just 106 PPG(2nd) in the 9-game window while scoring 118.2 PPG(10th).<\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Jrue Holiday | SG<\/strong>: Derrick White | SG\/SF<\/strong>: Jaylen Brown | SF\/PF<\/strong>: Jayson Tatum | C<\/strong>: Kristaps Porzingis<\/p> Injuries: <\/strong>Xavier Tillman is OUT.<\/p> Knicks: Terrific offense but terrible defense<\/strong><\/p> The New York Knicks enter the game after suffering a 105-142 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers despite a 26-point performance by Jalen Brunson. The loss broke a three-game winning streak but overall, the Celtics are 10-3 in their last 13 games. During that period, they have scored an impressive 121.7 PPG on an impressive 49.4% shooting. However, their defense has broken apart and they have given up 119.3 PPG(6th worst) in the winning window. <\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Jalen Brunson | SG\/SF<\/strong>: Mikal Bridges | SF<\/strong>: OG Anunoby | PF<\/strong>: Precious Achiuwa | C<\/strong>: Karl-Anthony Towns<\/p> Injuries: <\/strong>Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson are OUT.<\/p> The Knicks have given up 128 points in four of the last five games while the Celtics have scored 120 or more in three of the last five games. Meanwhile, the Celts have conceded just 105 or fewer points in five of the last six games, and their defense is at its peak. However, I see the Knicks going past the 110-point mark here while the Celts score at least 120.<\/p> Projected Predictions<\/strong>:<\/p>Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Total Over\/Under Prediction<\/h2>