Knicks vs. Celtics NBA expert prediction and odds for Monday, Nov. 13

For the second time this season, the New York Knicks will take on the Boston Celtics in a battle of two teams that expect to be in the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

New York lost the first meeting on opening night, but the team fought hard in that game despite poor shooting nights from Julius Randle (5-for-22) and Jalen Brunson (6-for-21).

Boston comes into this game at 7-2, fresh off of winning both games on a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, the Knicks are playing the second game of a back-to-back after they blew out Charlotte on Sunday afternoon.

Can the Knicks cover the spread – or even win outright – as nine-point underdogs on Monday?

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Knicks vs. Celtics odds, spread and total

Knicks vs. Celtics how to watch

• Date: Monday, Nov. 13
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Venue: TD Garden
• How to Watch (TV): MSG, NBC Sports Boston, NBA TV
• New York Knicks Record: 5-4
• Boston Celtics Record: 7-2

Knicks vs. Celtics injury reports

New York Knicks injury report

• Injury report not yet submitted

Boston Celtics injury report

• JD Davison – out
• Jordan Walsh – out
• Nathan Knight – out
• Neemias Queta – out

Knicks vs. Celtics key players to watch

New York Knicks

RJ Barrett: Barrett has arguably been the Knicks’ best player this season, and the team is 5-2 in the seven games that he’s played in. Barrett is posting career-best shooting numbers while averaging over 22 points per game.

The Knicks need him to continue to shine on offense if this team wants to compete for a top playoff spot in the East.

Julius Randle: After a slow start to the 2023-24 season, Randle has turned things around as of late, scoring 23 or more points in three straight games. Randle was just 5-for-22 in the season opener against Boston.

Boston Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis: Porzingis torched his former team in the season opener, hitting five 3-pointers, including the dagger in the fourth quarter. The Knicks have to contain him if they want to win on Monday.

Jayson Tatum: An MVP candidate, Tatum scored 34 in the opener against the Knicks and is averaging 27.7 points per game. He could completely take over this game for Boston if the Knicks don’t get into him early.

Knicks vs. Celtics prediction and pick

New York is one of the best teams in the NBA against the spread — going 5-2-2 this season — but Boston has five wins by double digits in the 2023-24 season.

So, how should we bet on this game?

I think this line is an overreaction to Boston’s success against subpar competition, especially since the team lost as a favorite against the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves last week.

The Knicks are one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, and they showed that earlier this season against Boston. New York lost by four points, and its two best players shot a combined 11-for-43.

I don’t see that happening again, and I wouldn’t be scared away by the team being in the second game of a back-to-back. Since Tom Thibodeau took over as New York’s head coach, the team is a league-best 24-14-2 against the spread on the second night of back-to-backs.

Boston may end up winning this game at home, but nine points is downright disrespectful to this Knicks team.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s betting record here.