Defending Champ Celtics Host New Look Knicks
Tony Allen scored 32 points, including 22 in the first half, to lead the NBA-champion Boston Celtics to an 111-108 victory over the New Jersey Nets in an exhibition game Thursday night.
The Celtics (4-1) played without their ‘Big Three’ of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, in addition to veteran Sam Cassell, who were all sat as head coach Doc Rivers rested his veterans.
It was the first preseason home game for the Nets (2-1) following consecutive victories over the Miami Heat in Paris and London.
The two teams traded the lead throughout the third quarter, but the Celtics, led by backup point guard Gabe Pruitt, scored the final seven points of the quarter to take an 87-81 lead.
The Celtics then held the lead the rest of the way, with the teams playing reserve squads throughout the fourth quarter.
The ‘new-look’ New York Knicks fell to the ‘new-look’ Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, losing their Broadway debut under new head coach Mike D’Antoni, 116-109, but absolutely thrilled their home fans with their new, up-tempo style of ball under the former Phoenix Suns’ head coach.
“It was very positive and upbeat out there, and it was refreshing,” said starting shooting guard Jamal Crawford. “Hopefully, we can sustain this and keep going forward, but next time, pull out the win.”
On the court, however, New York was unable to stop the Sixers’ Andre Iguodala in the fourth quarter, as the Philly star scored nine points in the final frame to lift the visitors to victory.
Second-year swingman Wilson Chandler recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 boards, draining 5-for-6 threes from behind the arc.
Point guard Nate Robinson led all scorers on the team with 21 points, nailing four three-pointers, while Zach Randolph and David Lee scored 17 points apiece. Lee continued his solid preseason, recording seven boards and a remarkable game-high seven assists.
The Knicks are averaging 96.9 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting while allowing a whopping 103.5 points per game on 47.4 percent shooting.
The Celtics are averaging 100.5 points per game on 47.5 percent shooting while limiting their opponents to just 90.2 points per game defensively on 41.9 percent shooting.
Here is a look at the tonight’s NBA Odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks:
NBA Odds
New York Knicks +7 -115
Boston Celtics -7 +115
Analysis: Don’t be surprised that I’m picking the Knicks to cover the spread in this contest! The fact of the matter is that New York will score the ball in this matchup while Boston rests it veteran players once again in preparation for their regular season opener in less than two weeks.
Take the Knicks to cover and call it a night BetUS NBA Sportsbook faithful.
NBA Free Picks: New York Knicks +7 Points
