Boston @ New York
The New York Knicks are on the rise, and they have a battle in front of them as they host the first-place Celtics tonight at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks have won eight of their last ten games, including their previous five in a row. While they are improving their place in the standings, this is nothing for fans to be too overjoyed about. The talent they have taken down is mediocre at best, and the teams they lost to are teams that will be playing in late April.
The Celtics are without Jaylen Brown tonight, but missing one starting player has not affected this squad much this season. The Kicks are playing well right now, but with the spread sitting at less than a bucket, there is no reason not to ride with Boston on this one.
Boston -2 (-110)
Jayson Tatum’s point totals have been wildly inconsistent, but it is typically lower against better teams. In this recent stretch of games, Tatum put up 38 on Detroit and 41 on Charlotte. So, taking on a team with more talent, he should be held to under 30 today.
Jayson Tatum Under 31.5 Points (-108)
Orlando @ New Orleans
The New Orleans Pelicans cling onto the final Play-In slot as they host Orlando tonight. The Pelicans have lost three games in a row, but they return to the Blender tonight, hoping they can turn things around. Zion is expected back soon, which is excellent news as McCollum struggles to keep this squad afloat.
The Magic enter this one on a .500 run. They have been playing better lately, and with over a month to go in the season, there is a chance they will find their way into the Play-In Tournament as they sit just three and a half games out. Of course, a lottery pick is much more appealing for a squad like Orlando, but anything can happen, given the inconsistent play in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference.
As for this one, Orlando is deserving of this short spread. The Magic are playing great ball, and historically they fare well against the Pelicans. However, smart money is on New Orleans returning home. This team is frustrated, and McCollum should be able to lead them to a victory.
New Orleans -4 (-110) CJ McCollum Over 21.5 Points (-105)
