Boston Facing Favorites Role in Game 3 Against New York Knicks despite 0-2 Deficit; Discussion on Potential Series Victory and Eastern Conference Title
The New York Knicks have stunned the sports world by overturning an 0-2 deficit and eliminating the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, marking their second consecutive upset in the playoffs' latter stages.
Initially, the best sports betting sites favoured the Celtics heavily, with odds of -800 for a Celtics victory, while the Knicks were offered at +550. However, as the series progressed, the Knicks' impressive performances caused a significant shift in the odds.
According to data from VegasInsider, by Game 3, the series price was nearly even at -110 for both teams. By Game 4, the Celtics' odds improved moderately to -325, with the Knicks at +260. The odds swung heavily in favour of the Knicks by Game 5, with the Celtics as +425 underdogs and the Knicks as -600 favourites. By Game 6, the Celtics' odds dropped further to +225, with the Knicks as -275 favourites. After securing a 4-2 series win, the Knicks were firmly favoured to advance.
Other sportsbooks, such as Bet365, initially offered around 1.41 to 1.42 for a Celtics victory, but these odds did not hold as the Knicks outperformed expectations.
The Knicks' centre, Mitchell Robinson, has been a standout performer in the series, with a team-high +32 plus/minus in the first two matchups. Jalen Brunson, who won the 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year, has also been instrumental, scoring 86 fourth-quarter playoff points and securing several crucial victories for the Knicks.
The Knicks' odds of reaching the NBA finals have shortened to 275, indicating a 26.7% implied probability. If the series goes to a correct score, the odds for a Celtics 4-2 victory are 400, 400, or 450, depending on the sportsbook.
In Game 3, the Celtics are -105 and the Knicks are -115 against the spread. Historically, the Knicks are the biggest Game 3 home underdog, leading a series 2-0, since the 1993 Lakers (+7).
Despite the Knicks' impressive run, it's worth noting that the law of averages suggests that the Celtics will make this series competitive. The Celtics, despite being -800 favourites (88.9% implied probability) to advance, have lost two games after leading by 20 or more points in a single postseason.
However, the betting market's stance remains warranted, and a bet on the Celtics' series odds at -105 or better is considered. For the series, the Celtics are -105 and the Knicks are -115 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
As the Knicks prepare for their next challenge, they will aim to continue their Cinderella run and defy the odds once again.
- The Knicks overturned an 0-2 deficit against the Celtics, which initially had odds of -800 in favor of the Boston team.
- As the series progressed, the Knicks' impressive performances caused a shift in the odds, with their odds improving from +550 to as low as -600.
- In sports betting, the Knicks were considered the underdog in the series, while the Celtics were the favorites.
- The Knicks' odds of reaching the NBA Finals have shortened, indicative of a higher perceived probability.
- If one wagers on the Celtics to win the series with a correct score, the odds vary depending on the sportsbook, ranging from 400 to 450.
- In Game 3, the Knicks were the underdogs against the spread, with the Celtics slightly favored at -105 and the Knicks at -115.
- Despite the Celtics' past losses after leading by a significant margin in the postseason, the betting market suggests that a wager on the Celtics' series odds at -105 or better is warranted.
