The 2023-24 NBA season is underway. After a terrific opening night, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks face off at 7 p.m. ET in one of two primetime matchups Wednesday on ESPN.
The Celtics will debut a new starting lineup after considerable roster turnover in the offseason. After trading away Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart, the new Boston lineup could have the best three-point shooting starting five of any team in the league.
The Knicks return their full starting lineup from last season, which helped get the Knicks back in the playoffs. New York made it past the first round before losing to the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat. Could a year of continuity, something uncommon in New York, lead the Knicks even further this season? That is what Knicks fans are hoping for.
Celtics vs. Knicks odds, props, predictions: Eastern Conference rivals face off
The Celtics and Knicks come into the season-opener healthy, and the Eastern Conference rivals have everyone at their disposal for the NBA Wednesday matchup. Season openers are often hard for sportsbooks to project, so keep an eye on the live odds from the best legal online sportsbooks.
Also on Wednesday: Spurs vs. Mavericks odds, props, predictions | Wembanyama props
Boston Celtics futures odds for 2023-24 NBA season
The Celtics are the odds-on favorite to win the NBA title at most sportsbooks. That is no surprise, considering they have two of the top 30 players for the 2023-2024 NBA season on their roster.They also have some intriguing futures odds for many different season-long props.
- Celtics to win the NBA title +400 (BetMGM)
- Celtics to win the Eastern Conference +175 (FanDuel)
- Jayson Tatum to win MVP +1000 (BetRivers)
- Jaylen Brown to win MVP +25000 (BetRivers)
- Jrue Holiday to win Defensive Player of the Year (BetRivers)
New York Knicks futures odds for 2023-24 NBA season
We mentioned how the New York Knicks have been an impatient franchise in recent years. With less turnover this year, can the consistency help the Knicks improve? Looking at some of their odds for season-long futures bets suggests the Knicks are in store for their best season in some time.
- Knicks to win the NBA title +5000 (Caesars)
- Knicks to win the Eastern Conference +1800 (BetMGM)
- Jalen Brunson to win MVP +8000 (BetRivers)
- Jalen Brunson to win Clutch Player of the Year +2200 (FanDuel)
MORE NBA: Early season betting guide | Team season win totals to target
Boston Celtics betting news
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla shared his opening night starting lineup with the media last week:
- Derrick White
- Jrue Holiday
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
The only omission from the lineup is Al Horford, who was likely the other player considered to be in contention for a starting role. Whether he starts or not, Horford will be one of the first players off the bench and see regular minutes.
The starting lineup, as composed, will be tough to defend, as the spacing should be excellent. All five Celtics starters have career three-point shooting percentages of 34.9% or better, with each also averaging at least 1.4 threes made per game. With MVP candidate Jayson Tatum leading the way and the additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to the lineup, it is easy to see why the Celtics are the odds favorite to win the NBA title.
New York Knicks betting news
The Knicks are looking to build on a strong season after making it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. The only player not to return from those who played 50 or more games from a season ago is Obi Toppin.
The only notable player to join the Knicks this off-season is Donte DiVincenzo, who is coming off a career year efficiency-wise after playing last season with the Golden State Warriors. He will be a solid addition coming off the bench with combo guard skills.
The Knicks have often been impatient with their team builds, but they showed patience this past off-season. With Jalen Brunson entering his second year at point guard, it would not be surprising to see New York take another step forward and be a surprise contender in the Eastern Conference.
Celtics vs. Knicks props for NBA Wednesday
FanDuel has some great value odds for player props for Celtics vs. Knicks on Wednesday.
- Jayson Tatum
- 26.5 points over (-111) / under (-115)
- 2.5 threes made over (-154) / under (+122)
- 9.5 rebounds over (+106) / under (-136)
- 4.5 assists over (-136) / under (+106)
- Jaylen Brown
- 22.5 points over (-104) / under (-122)
- 2.5 threes made over (+132) / under (-170)
- 5.5 rebounds over (-120) / under (-106)
- 3.5 assists over (+102) / under (-130)
- Kristaps Porzingis
- 18.5 points over (-111) / under (-115)
- 1.5 threes made over (-148) / under (+116)
- 7.5 rebounds over (-115) / under (-111)
- 2.5 assists over (+108) / under (-138)
- Jalen Brunson
- 24.5 points over (-113) / under (-113)
- 2.5 threes made over (+134) / under (-172)
- 3.5 rebounds over (-148) / under (+116)
- 5.5 assists over (-113) / under (-113)
- Julius Randle
- 23.5 points over (-104) / under (-122)
- 2.5 threes made over (+104) / under (-132)
- 8.5 rebounds over (-111) / under (-115)
- 3.5 assists over (-136) / under (-118)
- RJ Barrett
- 17.5 points over (-125) / under (-102)
- 1.5 threes made over (-122) / under (-104)
- 4.5 rebounds over (-113) / under (-113)
- 2.5 assists over (-108) / under (-118)
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks prediction: Knicks protect home court at MSG
While the Celtics no doubt have more talent and will likely go deeper in the postseason than the Knicks, Boston will need time for several new players to gel with their current core. The Knicks' continuity should help them transition into regular season play with ease.
Couple that with opening night at Madison Square Garden, and the home crowd will be an advantage for the Knicks. Expect a tight game with the Knicks pulling away in the fourth quarter.
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