NBA Best Bets 10/22/24 Knicks vs Celtics

Welcome to the 2024-25 NBA season opener! We have a thrilling matchup tonight between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. Both teams made some significant changes this offseason, making this game a highly anticipated start to the new campaign.

In this article, we’ll break down key betting opportunities for tonight’s game, highlighting the best bets, top player props, and in-depth insights for each suggested wager.

As always, the focus is on providing clear, easy-to-read analysis that will help you understand why each bet holds value. Let’s dive into the NBA Best Bets for today!

Celtics vs. Knicks Preview

• Date/Time: October 22, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET
• Location: TD Garden, Boston
• Spread: Celtics -5.5
• Total: 224

Boston is coming off a championship season, returning most of its core, while New York has retooled with new additions like Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns. This game will set the tone for the season as both teams look to assert dominance in the Eastern Conference.

Best Bets for Celtics vs. Knicks

1. Celtics -5.5 Spread

Suggested Bet: Celtics -5.5

• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • The Celtics are coming off a successful season and retained key contributors, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. This familiarity gives Boston an edge over the newly formed Knicks lineup, which could face early-season growing pains.
  • Boston’s defensive prowess, led by defensive anchors like Al Horford and Derrick White, should be able to contain New York’s revamped offense.
  • The Knicks’ roster changes will require some time to gel, making it likely they will struggle in their first game against a cohesive Celtics team.
  • Despite a strong rebounding presence in Towns and Josh Hart, the Knicks may not be able to keep pace with Boston’s efficient scoring, especially from beyond the arc.

Key Points:

• Boston’s team chemistry is a big factor; they have continuity and defensive versatility.
• Knicks’ roster adjustments could hinder fluidity on both ends of the floor.
• Celtics’ perimeter shooting is superior, giving them an edge in scoring efficiency.

2. Under 224 Total Points

Suggested Bet: Under 224 Points

• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Both teams have strong defensive identities, ranking among the top defensive teams last season. Expect a slow-paced, grind-it-out style of play.
  • The Knicks were one of the slowest-paced teams last season, and with a new lineup, they are likely to play even slower as they develop offensive chemistry.
  • Celtics’ defense, led by Derrick White and Al Horford, will be key in limiting New York’s scoring opportunities. The absence of Kristaps Porzingis, who provides offensive depth for Boston, could slow the pace as well.
  • Recent matchups between these teams have trended under this total. Last year’s opener finished with 212 points, and another game between these two finished at 218.

Key Points:

• Both teams focus on defense and transition defense.
• Slow-paced game expected, with both teams ranking in the lower half of the league in pace last season.
• Early-season adjustments could lead to missed shots and longer possessions.

Top Player Prop Bets

1. Jaylen Brown Over 24.5 Points

Suggested Bet: Jaylen Brown Over 24.5 Points

• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • With Porzingis out, Jaylen Brown will take on a larger scoring role. Brown averaged 24.7 points per game last season when Porzingis was out, hitting this mark in 58% of games.
  • The Knicks’ defense has struggled against strong wings, and Brown’s physicality could create mismatches, especially against the likes of Bridges or Anunoby.
  • Boston’s reliance on Brown’s scoring could be even more apparent tonight, as the Celtics will need his aggressiveness to secure a win.

Key Points:

• Increased shot attempts without Porzingis.
• Knicks’ defense allows the ninth-most points to small forwards.
• Boston needs Brown’s scoring to keep pace and maintain momentum.

2. Peyton Pritchard Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made

Suggested Bet: Peyton Pritchard Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made

• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Pritchard will see increased minutes in Porzingis’ absence, making him a solid value play for 3-point shooting.
  • He hit this mark in 74% of games last season when playing over 20 minutes, a scenario likely to play out tonight given the roster dynamics.
  • Pritchard’s 3-point shooting can be a game-changer, especially against a Knicks defense that can be vulnerable to outside shooting.

Key Points:

• High volume of 3-point attempts expected.
• Strong track record of hitting this mark when given minutes.
• Plus matchup against a Knicks team prone to allowing perimeter shots.

3. Josh Hart Over 22.5 Points, Rebounds, and Assists (PRA)

Suggested Bet: Josh Hart Over 22.5 PRA

• Why It’s a Best Bet:
  • Hart’s all-around play fits well with the Knicks’ current needs. He averaged 29 PRA in his last 10 games last season, showcasing versatility.
  • The new additions in New York’s lineup may allow Hart to find more opportunities for assists and rebounds, while also contributing scoring-wise.
  • Hart’s impact as a hustler and playmaker often translates to higher PRA numbers, making this prop a solid play.

Key Points:

• Hart’s rebounding and assists create a high floor for his PRA total.
• Stronger supporting cast allows for more efficient assist opportunities.
• Expect Hart to play heavy minutes in a competitive opener.

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