Celtics vs. Knicks Betting Preview: How to Bet the Total at MSG

Action Network contributor Kenny Ducey previews how to bet on Saturday's Celtics vs. Knicks game at MSG.

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are playing each other at Madison Square Garden on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Celtics are 5-3 in the season, but they are just 3-5 against the spread. They have to improve their defense, which was uninspiring against Chicago on Friday. Malcolm Brogdon has been coming off the bench to spell Marcus Smart and Derrick White to excellent results. The Celtics rank eighth in defended field goal percentage inside of 10 feet and ninth overall.

The Knicks are 18-8 against the spread under Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks' offense has lagged a bit, but they're still in 13th place in defensive efficiency. Celtics vs. Knicks is a betting preview. Celtics are the defending champions. They are also the most successful team in the Eastern Conference. Boston is the only team to beat the Knicks in their last five games.

Both teams have been dreadful against the spread. The Knicks have the worst defense in the second quarter and Boston ranks inside the bottom 10. I think the Knicks' second unit is the best thing going in this game. I love the idea of betting on these two teams before they get tired.