PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA February Total of Month - 22-12 NBA Totals
(NBA) Boston vs. New York,
Total: 223.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Win
Total: 223.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Win
It's only late February. But this matchup has the makings of a playoff game with all the defensive intensity that comes with that.
New York has won five in a row. Boston is 9-2 in its last 11 games since losing, 120-117 in overtime, to the Knicks on the road a month ago. There were 220 points scored in regulation during that game.
Both teams are underrated defensively and have been playing well on the defensive end.
The Celtics are giving up an average of 104.3 points during their last nine games if you discount their overtime games. Boston ranks in the top-eight in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage.
The Knicks have held their last seven opponents to an average of 105.1 points, not including their 126-120 win against the Jazz. New York ranks ninth in scoring defense and are in the top four in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense.
A hidden key to this Under is center Mitchell Robinson being back healthy for New York.
Robinson is a premier shot-blocker - the only shot-blocking threat the Knicks have - and New York's second-best rebounder. His presence strongly fortifies the Knicks' front-court defense.
Robinson has been back for two games now. In those two games, the Knicks held the Wizards to 109 points - which is four points below Washington's season scoring average - and the Pelicans to 106 points, which is eight points under New Orleans' season scoring average.
New York has won five in a row. Boston is 9-2 in its last 11 games since losing, 120-117 in overtime, to the Knicks on the road a month ago. There were 220 points scored in regulation during that game.
Both teams are underrated defensively and have been playing well on the defensive end.
The Celtics are giving up an average of 104.3 points during their last nine games if you discount their overtime games. Boston ranks in the top-eight in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage.
The Knicks have held their last seven opponents to an average of 105.1 points, not including their 126-120 win against the Jazz. New York ranks ninth in scoring defense and are in the top four in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense.
A hidden key to this Under is center Mitchell Robinson being back healthy for New York.
Robinson is a premier shot-blocker - the only shot-blocking threat the Knicks have - and New York's second-best rebounder. His presence strongly fortifies the Knicks' front-court defense.
Robinson has been back for two games now. In those two games, the Knicks held the Wizards to 109 points - which is four points below Washington's season scoring average - and the Pelicans to 106 points, which is eight points under New Orleans' season scoring average.
