Boston Favored in Game 3 Despite 0-2 Deficit: Series and Eastern Conference Title Aspirations at Stake
In the ongoing Eastern Conference playoffs, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are locked in a tight battle. The betting markets have shown a noticeable shift in favour of the Knicks, reflecting increased uncertainty and a tempered outlook for the Celtics following their unexpected losses and major offseason setbacks.
The odds for a 4-1 series victory by the Knicks are 675, 650, and 650 at various sportsbooks, while the odds for a 4-3 series victory are 850, 850, and 800. The Knicks are currently underdogs to win Game 3 against the Celtics, with odds of -115 and -110.
Jalen Brunson, who won the 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year, has been a key player for the Knicks. Despite yet to tally an ultra-efficient performance in this series, Brunson generated nine fourth-quarter points in Game 2, including the final six points to secure the victory.
Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks' centre, has been a standout player in the series so far. He has a team-high +32 plus/minus in the first two matchups and was +19 in Game 2, with the Knicks winning by a single point.
The Celtics, on the other hand, have struggled from behind the arc, going 25-for-100 (25%) in Games 1 and 2. Despite being -8.5 and -10.5 favourites in these games, they have suffered close losses, including a 90-91 defeat in Game 1.
The law of averages suggests that Tatum and Co. will make this series competitive, further indicating why the market hasn't credited New York with its surface-level results. In the regular season, the Celtics ranked in the 97th percentile on spot-up jumpers, hitting 40.4% of their three-point attempts in those situations.
The best sports betting sites have adjusted the Celtics' odds to win the series against the Knicks to reflect this increased uncertainty. The Celtics' moneyline and spread odds have tightened, showing a less dominant favourite status than before, with the Celtics now often favoured by smaller margins (e.g., -2.5 points with -110 odds) and moneyline odds around -260, indicating a moderate confidence but not overwhelming.
This adjustment corresponds to significant changes impacting the Celtics' competitiveness. The severe Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum, a key player, and the trading away of veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have reshaped the roster, resulting in less depth and star power. Consequently, betting markets and odds have become more measured, indicating skepticism about the Celtics maintaining their previous dominance in the East.
Game 3 of the Celtics vs. Knicks series is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at New York at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. With the betting markets favouring the Knicks, this game promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.
- Despite a noticeable shift in the betting markets towards the New York Knicks following their unexpected successes and the Celtics' offseason setbacks, the odds for a 4-1 series win by the Knicks are 675, 650, and 650 at various sportsbooks, while the odds for a 4-3 series win are 850, 850, and 800.
- Jalen Brunson, the NBA Clutch Player of the Year, has been a key player for the Knicks, generating nine fourth-quarter points in Game 2, including the final six points to secure the victory.
- Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks' centre, has been a standout player in the series so far, posting a team-high +32 plus/minus in the first two matchups and a +19 in Game 2, with the Knicks winning by a single point.
- The Celtics have struggled from behind the arc, going 25-for-100 (25%) in Games 1 and 2 despite being favorites in these games.
- The law of averages suggests that Tatum and the Celtics will make this series competitive, as they ranked in the 97th percentile on spot-up jumpers during the regular season.
- The best sports betting sites have adjusted the Celtics' odds to win the series against the Knicks to reflect increased uncertainty, showing a less dominant favorite status than before, with the Celtics now often favored by smaller margins (e.g., -2.5 points with -110 odds) and moneyline odds around -260, indicating a moderate confidence but not overwhelming.
