NBA Odds: Knicks vs Celtics

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NBA ODDS: Scalabrine Sees the Knicks as Serious Challengers for the Celtics

A Challenge on the Horizon

Former Celtics champion Brian Scalabrine is convinced that the  New York Knicks will be a worthy rival for the Boston Celtics this season. In a recent interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Celtics commentator praised Tom Thibodeau’s work.

Anunoby’s Key Role

If healthy, OG Anunoby will play a fundamental role for Thibodeau next season. In the 1,585 possessions he participated in, the Knicks reached the 99th percentile for defensive rating, limiting teams to 101.8 points per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning The Glass.

A Deep Team

Thibodeau has slowly built a team with talent at every position. All players can defend their area and score from multiple levels, and most can create their shot, whether in motion or off the bounce. Adding Mikal Bridges ensures the Knicks can match up with any wing-heavy roster, especially with the Celtics in mind. The rivalry between these two franchises could influence bets against similar opponents in the NBA ODDS.

The Test of Time

However, the Knicks must prove their current roster can make a long playoff run. Concerns about the health of Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Julius Randle exist. New York will need this trio to be in shape to succeed in the Eastern Conference and advance to the NBA Finals.

Thibodeau has spent years shaping a team in his image and finally achieved his vision. Now, the Knicks must learn to handle the pressure of being one of the top teams in the NBA and demonstrate that they can perform at the highest level. Otherwise, they could enter the 2025-26 season with multiple questions hanging over their heads.

Julius Randle ¨ready¨for the new season

One of its franchise´s players, Julius Randle, just played 46 games last season but has been pretty healthy in the recent campaigns, playing more than 70 games in the regular season since 2015-16, only in 2019-20 just playing 64 games.

Last season, he dislocated his right shoulder. Randle injured his shoulder during a win against the Miami Heat on Jan. 27. He and the Knicks initially held off on surgery, hoping he could return for the playoffs. Still, he ultimately underwent a season-ending procedure in April.

A three-time All-Star, Randle has been one of the primary options on offense since he signed with New York in 2019. Before going down with his shoulder injury last season, he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists.