Oddsmakers don’t think the Knicks have much of a shot against the Celtics in their second-round series.
Boston is a -800 favorite at BetMGM, meaning the Knicks will need several advantageous bounces to fall their way to knock off the league’s reigning champions.
The most likely outcome of the series, according to the bookies, is the Celtics winning in five games, with the gentleman’s sweep having +200 odds.
A four-game ouster registers with +325 odds.
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Knicks vs. Celtics series preview
The Knicks have plenty of issues on the offensive side of the ball that coach Tom Thibodeau is unwilling — or unable — to fix.
For all that he does well, Jalen Brunson is the leader of the offense but the Knicks don’t run enough of a diversified attack to give the Celtics’ defense a tough time.
Boston has more than enough perimeter defenders to slow Brunson’s isolation-heavy attack thanks to Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
If they were to go to Karl-Anthony Towns to lead their offense, which has a far better chance at success, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will be waiting.
To be fair, Towns has the talent to give the Celtics trouble, and the Knicks have a solid enough starting rotation to match Boston’s, but things get really dicey behind the starters.
New York’s bench simply can’t stack up against Boston’s.
Expect the Celtics to move on, but don’t bet on it to be as easy as the odds imply.
The Knicks will probably give their starters enough minutes that they’re able to fend off elimination before it gets embarrassing.
Back the Knicks against the series spread of +2.5 games, meaning you’d win your wager if this best-of-seven set gets to a Game 6.
PICK: Knicks +2.5 (-110, BetMGM)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Erich Richter is a brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt but he has a black belt in MMA betting. During the football season he’s showcased massive profits at The Post in the player prop market the last two seasons. While constantly betting long shots, his return on investment is 30.15 percent since 2022.
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