Celtics vs. Knicks odds, score prediction, time: 2024 NBA opening night picks, best bets based on proven model

The 2024-25 NBA season begins with a doubleheader on Tuesday, and in the first game, the world champion Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks after the banner ceremony. The Celtics went 64-18 and won their 18th NBA championship, while the Knicks went 50-32 and then lost to the Pacers in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tipoff from TD Garden in Boston is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The SportsLine consensus lists Boston as a 5.5-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. Knicks odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 224. Before making any Knicks vs. Celtics picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice using SportsLine’s proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting winnings on $100 players over the past six seasons on its top-rated NBA picks. The model finished the 2023-24 season with an overwhelming 94-61 record across all top-rated NBA picks that season, earning more than $2,800. Anyone who follows sports betting and betting apps has made huge profits.

Now the model has its sights set on the Knicks vs. Celtics and has just set its picks and predictions for the NBA Finals. You can now head over to SportsLine to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Celtics vs. Knicks:

• Celtics vs. Knicks Spread: Boston -5.5
• Celtics vs. Knicks over/under: 224 points
• Celtics vs. Knicks money line: Boston -225, New York +181
• BOS: Boston won three of four games against New York last season and evened out the lead
• NYK: The total was over in 13 of New York’s last 18 games of the 2023-24 season
• Celtics vs. Knicks picks: See picks at SportsLine
• Celtics vs. Knicks Streaming: FuboTV (Try Free)

Why the Celtics can cover

Boston forward Jayson Tatum will look to continue to prove himself after what should have been a celebratory summer went somewhat awry when he was sidelined on the Olympic team. Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, winning his first championship.

The Celtics went 16-3 in a dominant run through the 2024 NBA Playoffs, where they averaged a margin of victory of 8.1 points per game. Boston also ranked first in the NBA in offensive rating (123.2) and third in defensive rating (111.6) during the regular season, and efficiency was a driving force for their success during this era. See which team you should choose here.

Why the Knicks can cover

New York hopes to open a sizable championship window by trading Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo (among other assets) for Karl-Anthony Towns as part of a three-team deal. Now Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges will join forces for the new-look Knicks. Towns, Brunson and Anunoby are all under contract through at least 2027, as is do-it-all winger Josh Hart.

Tom Thibodeau has been able to impose his methodical style everywhere, with the Knicks ranking last in the NBA last season in pace (95.3 possessions per game) and second in points allowed per game (108.2). However, the Knicks continued to be surprisingly efficient offensively in the 2023-24 season, ranking seventh in the league in offensive rating (118.2), thanks in large part to Brunson and a league-leading offensive rebound rate of 29, 4% is due. See which team you should choose here.

How to make Celtics vs. Knicks picks

SportsLine’s model is trending downward in the overall score, predicting 223 combined points. The model also says that one side of the spread occurs in almost 70% of simulations. The model selection is available exclusively from SportsLine.

So who wins Knicks vs. Celtics and which team scored in almost 70% of the simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the range to jump on, starting with the model that’s 94-61 on this season’s top-rated NBA picks, and find out.