Celtics vs. Knicks Betting Preview: 2 Player Props and Best Bet for Game 6

The Knicks can close this series out in front of their home fans tonight in a Game 6 that might be the biggest night in New York basketball history over the last decade. Jalen Brunson needs a bounce-back game, and based on recent performances following a loss, they should get it.

The Celtics’ ball movement looked outstanding in their first game without Jayson Tatum, but I’m looking at this New York team with hope that tonight will be the night they punch their ticket to get one step closer to the NBA Finals.

Best Bet: New York Knicks -2.5

This feels like a must-win for New York. After the decimation that was Game 5, Thibs cannot let this series go back to TD Garden for a Game 7 on Monday night. The Knicks will rely heavily on Jalen Brunson tonight, with the superstar averaging 36.3 PPG following a loss this postseason.

Following a poor performance from both wings in OG and Mikal Bridges, I’m expecting bounce-back games for them as well as more Deuce McBride minutes after a great Game 5 performance off the bench. If KAT doesn’t get into foul trouble, this game should go down to the wire, where Brunson can once again take over and push the Knicks to the conference finals for the first time since 2000. 

Jalen Brunson (NYK) OVER 30.5 Points

Jalen Brunson fouled out of Game 5 and finished with just 22 points on 17 shot attempts. A bounce-back is inevitable for one of the best point guards in the league and one of the better playoff performers in the East.

JB has gone for 29.4 PPG this postseason and has really shot it well from beyond the arc (36%). With OG and Bridges struggling to score in the last game, Brunson will be ready to go against the Holiday, White, and Pritchard trio, who look a step behind him when guarding the All-Star one-on-one.

Jrue Holiday (BOS) OVER 8.5 Rebounds & Assists

With the absence of Tatum, Jrue Holiday stepped up on both ends of the floor in Game 5. Jrue went for 10 rebounds & assists, and in games without Tatum in the regular season, Jrue averaged 6.0 RPG and 4.3 APG, hitting this prop in four of six outings.

He’s still a great guard rebounder, while serving as the secondary playmaker to Jaylen Brown in an offense that honestly looked much better without Tatum in Game 5. With effortless ball movement and transition opportunities, Holiday has another great game as a playmaker in this one. Since the last postseason’s conference semifinals, Jrue has hit this prop in 11 of 14 games.