Celtics vs Knicks Predictions: The Celtics Need to Limit Their Opponent’s Easy Looks

• The Boston Celtics are looking to bounce back after a narrow loss in their last game.
• The New York Knicks look to push their winning streak to two in a row against Boston.
• The Knicks and Celtics split last year's regular season series, 2-2.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Predictions and Picks

The New York Knicks are coming off of a come back win against the Sixers. Despite their success, the two-way ability of the Celtics should be too much for them to handle.

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Boston Celtics def. New York Knicks

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Head-to-Head: Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks

Injury Report

BOS: The Celtics Need to Limit Their Opponent’s Easy Looks

The Boston Celtics are coming off of a win in their Friday night matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Despite Boston's solid offensive performance, they didn't do a good job in limiting Chicago. Boston don't want to get into a shootout against the Knicks.

In their last game the Celtics defence allowed the Bulls to shoot 51.8% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. A big part of Chicago's success was Boston's unwillingness to get back in transition, where they allowed 17 fast break points.

The Knicks don't have the most impressive offence in the NBA, so the Celtics can't afford to allow them easy opportunities. While Boston have the offensive talent to keep up with anyone, it won't help them to be lackadaisical on defence.

Celtics Key Player: (F) Jayson Tatum

Without a doubt, Jayson Tatum is the star of the Boston Celtics. However, in games where he struggles and forces his offence, the Boston Celtics make themselves vulnerable to counter. Their last game, a loss to the Cavaliers, exposed that issue.

Tatum is coming off of a game where he filled the stat sheet. In his loss to the Cavaliers, Tatum posted 26 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks in 42 minutes of play. His issue through that game was his poor shooting, as he shot just 8 of 21 from the field and 2 of 9 from three-point range.

The Knicks aren't a team that can really keep up with the Celtics' offensive firepower, so Boston and Tatum need to be efficient with their shooting to limit the Knicks' opportunities. Tatum can contribute in a lot of ways, but when his shooting is off the team struggles to stay competitive.

NYK: Can the Knicks Succeed With Their Quirky Lineup?

The New York Knicks are coming off of an impressive win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Sure, the Sixers were missing their All-Stars James Harden and Joel Embiid may have been unavailable, but there was a lot of promise shown by New York's fourth quarter comeback.

In the Knicks' narrow 106-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks overcame a 12-point fourth quarter deficit to win the game. It was the first time Tom Thibodeau decided to use Julius Randle and Obi Toppin in tandem, but the result was a great Toppin fourth quarter with Randle making plays.

The Celtics play a much more disciplined defence than the depleted Sixers, but their small lineup may work in New York's favor. If the Knicks forwards can continue to punish teams from deep when it counts, the Celtics will be in for a real fight.

Knicks Key Player: (G) RJ Barrett

Fourth-year guard RJ Barrett has carved out a solid role for himself with the New York Knicks. While he's by no means the star of the show in New York, he showed off some solid production in their Friday night win over the Sixers.

Barrett is coming off of a game where he posted 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in 37 minutes of play. While he was just 2 of 8 from three-point range, he still shot 8 of 16 from the field as a whole while getting to the free throw line six times.

The Knicks were fortunate to have Barrett as a second option in their last game. While Randle struggled with his shooting again, Barrett made up for it. Against the tough and versatile defence of the Celtics, Barrett will need maintain his efficiency from the field to help the Knicks to victory.

How to Watch Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks

• Who: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
• When: 7:30 PM EST, Saturday, November 5th, 2022
• How to Watch: NBC Sports Boston, MSG Network, NBA League Pass (Stream)