New York Knicks at Boston Celtics spread, odds and picks

The New York Knicks (26-23, 4th in Atlantic) head to Boston as they face off against the Celtics (35-14, 1st in Atlantic) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night at TD Garden.

After a four-game losing streak, New York got back in the win column on Tuesday with a 105-103 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.

The Celtics have dropped two in a row after winning their previous nine straight games.

Here are my picks and predictions for this Atlantic Division showdown with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Spread: Knicks +8.5 (-112)

While there's no denying New York's struggles recently, +8.5 is too many points. The Knicks are 16-8 against the spread on the road this season and have covered in 26 of their last 35 games away from MSG.

Despite having the best record in the NBA, the Celtics have failed to cover in four straight contests.

Take the points with the Knicks in this spot as I'm wagering on them to keep it within single digits.

Over/Under: Over 221.5 points (-110)

In its last four losses, New York has given up an average of 126 points per game. That doesn't bode well versus one of the top five scoring offenses in the association.

The Knicks have gone over the total in three of their past five road games and are 4-1 to the over in their previous five matchups with Boston.

With a combined five players averaging at least 20 points a game this season, I expect we see a high scoring affair in this one.

Moneyline: Celtics (-350)

With there being no value in betting on just the Celtics to win, two plays with better odds I'm betting on tonight are Boston to win and over 221.5 points at +130 and the Knicks to cover +8.5 and more than 221 points scored at +265 on Tipico Sportsbook.

I expect New York to keep this one close but in the end Boston comes out on top as it improves its home record to 19-5 on the season.

My Best Bet

Place a wager on the Celtics' massive moneyline price (-350), the Knicks to cover the +8.5 spread (-112) and the over 221.5 total points at -110 on Tipico Sportsbook.