Boston Celtics at New York Knicks

Betting Odds

Boston (-2)
Game Total Line:(197.5)
(wagering lines available at Sportsbook.com)

There are growing concerns over the play of Rajon Rondo. The point guard has gone five straight games without scoring in double figures. Rondo scored just 17 total points over that five-game stretch while hitting just eight of his 37 field goal attempts—a nightmarish 21.6 percent. Normally, the club could take solace in that fact that Rondo is distributing the ball well, but he’s not even doing that right now. Rondo hasn’t dished out double-digit assists in eight consecutive games, averaging just 6.6 per game in that span (his season average is 11.5 per game).

At the other end of the spectrum, Jeff Green is giving Boston a nice scoring threat off the bench. Green was acquired at the deadline for the much-loved Kendrick Perkins, but the deal has paid off so far. Green is shooting 52.4 percent in 12 games with Boston while averaging 11.5 points in about 23 minutes of action.

On the injury front, help is coming, but not right away. Jermaine O’Neal and Shaquille O’Neal will add some much-needed beef up front with Perkins gone. Jermaine might be able to return in late March, while Shaq is day-to-day.

New York (35-34, 40-27-2 ATS) continues to struggle in the Carmelo Anthony era. The Knicks are just 1-4 in their past five games after Sunday’s 100-95 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks failed to cover, dropping them to 1-4 in their past five games against the spread. New York is 7-8 (7-8 ATS) since acquiring Anthony.

The star scorer at least had a respectable game against the Bucks, scoring 23 points. He was absolutely miserable in a loss to the Pistons on Friday, going 2-for-12 from the field en route to a six-point evening. But even with Anthony returning to form, it wasn’t enough. New York’s bench is simply too thin; it provided just 13 points in the loss to the Bucks.

Boston has dominated the head-to-head series, beating the Knicks eight of the past 10 times they’ve played—including both meetings this season. New York has been better against the spread, though, going 6-4 ATS in those games. The Knicks have covered their past three games against Boston. The total went over both times this season, and BetUS.com has set the total for Sunday’s game at 197.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

The Celtics ended a mini 3 game road losing streak on Saturday with their win over New Orleans. Boston's scoring has been the issues as of late with 6 straight games of failing to match or exceed their season average. The Knicks certainly don't play great defense, but the linesmaker has been generous opening the total on this game at 197. I'm going to buck the match-up trends and call for this game to go under. Take Under 197.5 points at 5Dimes.com and get reduced juice every day!