NBA Playoffs 2013: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks, Game 5 Picks

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
Wednesday, 5/1/13, 7:00 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: New York -8
Current Betting Line: New York -9
Opening Total: 183
Current Total: 181.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The New York Knicks are 5-2 ATS against the Boston Celtics in their last seven overall meetings

Boston managed to extend this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series by picking up a 97-90 overtime victory over New York as 1.5-point home underdogs Sunday, while going OVER the total for the first time in four contests. “Without a doubt, we have to bring it,” commented Celtics forward Jeff Green. “We just have to play all out.” He ranks second on the team this series in averaging 20.8 points, while guard Paul Pierce leads the way in scoring 21.3. Boston is 6-6 ATS as road underdogs of 6.5 to 9 points this season, which is important to consider when making your NBA picks against the spread.

The Celtics certainly no that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs, but their veteran-laden roster is going to make a run at ending that streak. Boston limited New York to 34 percent shooting in Game 4, as it defended the perimeter in a major way, with one of the top outside shooting teams knocking down just 7 of 30 3-point attempts. Since Jan. 27, Green has averaged 16.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, which was needed in a major way once starting point guard Rajon Rondo was lost for the year in the middle of February.

New York definitely wants to close this series out at Madison Square Garden, which is certainly possible, considering it captured Games 1 and 2 inside the building. “We want to end it,” commented Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. He leads all players in the series in averaging 33.0 points per game, while he’ll also get some help from reigning Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, who missed the last contest due to a one-game suspension handed down by the league. New York is 9-6 ATS as home favorites of 6.5 to 9 points, which is important to consider when looking over the NBA betting lines Wednesday night.

The Knicks were 31-10 overall at home during the regular season, including a 20-6 mark versus conference foes. New York is averaging 88.0 points and holding Boston to 80.0 through four games of this best-of-seven series, while holding a +4.0 advantage in terms of turnovers.