NBA Betting: Celtics vs. Knicks

The Boston Celtics are coming off another loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and they are hoping history doesn't repeat itself.

After the loss at the Lakers on Christmas Day, Boston had their worst stretch of the season, losing seven out of nine games straight-up and ATS.

The Celtics are a 5 ½-point favorite against the New York Knicks tonight at Sportsbook.com, and they hope for some different results.

Though the Celtics (41-10, 28-23 ATS) may be a touch disheartened in losing to the Lakers, they have to feel pretty good about facing the Knicks.

For fans of the Knickerbockers, New York (21-27, 28-20 ATS) used to actually have a home court advantage. As this week has shown though, MSG has become a show place for star players to post outrageous numbers.

Last Monday, the Lakers Kobe Bryant set a record for the most points scored at the "World's Most Famous Arena" by pouring in 61 in a nine-point victory.

On Wednesday, LeBron James had a triple-double, posting 52 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory. What's next, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen scoring 40 points a piece?

Note that Boston is 16-4 ATS in road games off a home loss over the last three seasons. However, Boston has now failed to cover their last three games, and they have to be emotionally tired after last night's game. Also, the flu bug has hit the team hard, especially a still less than 100% Kevin Garnett.

The Knicks are also an improved team over a month ago. Since January 12th, New York is 8-5 and has covered the number nine times.

Having lost four of five at home to Boston, the total of 208.5 has proven profitable for the Knicks, who are 9-0 ATS in a home game where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points this season.

Statfox Prediction: Boston by seven

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Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter