On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks kicked off the new NBA season in a highly anticipated matchup. The game was held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, and was broadcast live on TNT and various streaming platforms like Max and YouTube TV.
The Celtics, defending NBA champions, raised their 18th championship banner before the game, marking a historic moment as they surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA titles. Coach Joe Mazzulla is leading the same core team that dominated last season, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown at the forefront of their championship quest.
The Knicks, looking to build on their 50-32 record from last season, introduced new additions to their roster, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. Jalen Brunson, who had a stellar season last year, is expected to continue his strong performance. Despite missing Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks are optimistic about their chances with their revamped lineup.
The game saw the Celtics favored on the moneyline and spread, with odds of -225 and -5.5 points, respectively. However, the Knicks were not to be underestimated, given their improved roster and defensive capabilities. The over/under was set at 221.5 points, with many experts predicting an under due to the slow pace and physical play expected from both teams.
In terms of betting trends, the consensus leaned towards the Celtics covering the spread and the total going under 221.5 points. Additionally, Josh Hart of the Knicks was tipped for a strong rebounding performance.
