Knicks vs. Celtics: NBA Prediction, Picks and Prop Bets (Oct. 23)

Knicks vs. Celtics Top Bets at a Glance

• Celtics -2.5 (-110)
• OG Anunoby 3+ Made Threes (+144)

Two teams that underwhelmed in their openers tangle tonight in Boston as the Celtics host the Knicks.

New York fell at home to Philly on Tuesday while the Celtics lost at Detroit.

With both sides looking for their first win of the campaign, which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets for today’s game?

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Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. Bets in this article may be pulled from our other NBA content.

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Knicks vs. Celtics NBA Picks, Props and Prediction

Celtics -2.5 (-110)

I’m willing to take the Boston Celtics to cover a short number at home against the New York Knicks.

Boston lost 121-113 to Detroit in its opener, but the Celtics still showed enough offensively to make this number appealing. They scored at least 30 points in three of the first three quarters before a rough fourth quarter swung the game. New York, meanwhile, managed only 100 points against Philadelphia while shooting 35-for-94 from the field, a 37.2% clip.

The larger matchup context also favors Boston. The Celtics allowed only 107.2 points per game last season, the best mark in the NBA, and they also ranked among the league leaders in rebounding. That gives them multiple ways to pressure a Knicks offense that struggled to generate efficient looks in its opener.

With Boston at home, I prefer the Celtics to bounce back and cover.

OG Anunoby 3+ Made Threes (+144)

OG Anunoby‘s opening-night shooting line doesn’t look good on the surface, but his volume makes this alternate threes prop interesting.

He attempted nine three-pointers against Philadelphia, making just one. That kind of volume is exactly what we want when betting an alternate made-threes market, especially considering Anunoby averaged 2.3 made threes per game last season.

There’s also reason to believe Boston will allow New York to generate perimeter volume. The Celtics surrendered 40 three-point attempts in their opener while Anunoby has already established himself as one of New York’s primary high-volume perimeter shooters. One bad shooting night doesn’t change the underlying role.

Check out our favorite NBA picks and predictions for today.

NBA Betting Frequently Asked Questions

What is the point spread in NBA betting?

The point spread is a handicap applied to the favored team to level the playing field. For example, if the Lakers are -6.5 against the Celtics, the Lakers must win by 7 or more points for a bet on them to pay out. A bet on the Celtics wins if Boston wins outright or loses by 6 points or fewer.

What does the moneyline mean in NBA betting?

A moneyline bet is a straight-up wager on which team wins — no spread involved. Odds use American format: a favorite is listed with a minus sign (e.g., -180), meaning a wager of $180 would win $100. An underdog carries a plus sign (e.g., +155), meaning a $100 bet would return $155 profit.

What is an over/under (total) bet in the NBA?

FanDuel will set a projected combined score for both teams. You bet whether the actual total points will go Over or Under that number. For example, if the total is 224.5, an Over bet wins if both teams combine for 225 or more points.

What are NBA player props?

Player prop bets focus on individual statistical performances rather than game outcomes. Common NBA props include points scored, rebounds, assists, three-pointers made, steals, and combined stat lines (e.g., Points + Rebounds + Assists). You bet whether the player goes Over or Under the sportsbook's posted line.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.