Knicks and Celtics Battle for Playoff Spot

The New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics are set to clash in a crucial Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Celtics, who secured a 127-102 victory in Game 5, are aiming to level the series. Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet were standout performers for Boston, with Pritchard scoring 17 points and hitting five three-pointers, while Kornet contributed 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks. The Celtics, with a 61-21 season record, are pushing for their fourth consecutive conference finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Knicks, at 51-31, have faced semifinal exits in the past two seasons. Precious Achiuwa's availability for the Knicks is uncertain due to an ankle injury. This matchup is scheduled for 8 p. m. ET at Madison Square Garden. Historically, the Knicks have the upper hand, winning seven of the last 11 postseason encounters. Currently, the Knicks are slight favorites at -2. 5 points, with an over/under of 211 points. The money line shows the Knicks at -145 and the Celtics at +122. The SportsLine Projection Model, known for its accuracy, has simulated the game 10, 000 times and has predictions that could influence betting decisions. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is a key player, averaging 29. 4 points and 7. 8 assists in the playoffs. Karl-Anthony Towns is another crucial player, averaging 19. 6 points and 11. 3 rebounds. The Celtics will rely heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 22. 3 points and 7. 2 rebounds in the playoffs, especially with Jayson Tatum out for the season. Derrick White has also been a standout, averaging 19. 9 points and 5. 5 rebounds. The SportsLine Projection Model suggests betting under the total points and has a strong track record. It has returned significant profits over the past six seasons and is currently on a 159-117 winning streak. The model's predictions could be valuable for those looking to make informed bets on this high-stakes game. The Celtics have a history of hitting the under on team totals, while the Knicks have a decent record against the spread. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see how this intense rivalry plays out. The outcome of this game could set the stage for an exciting conference finals or spell the end of one team's playoff hopes.