Knicks disrespect hits fever pitch with one sportsbook still pricing them as underdogs vs. Celtics
Holding a 2-0 series lead against the Celtics after beating them twice in Boston, the Knicks head back to Madison Square Garden in the driver's seat — but the chips are still stacked against them entering Game 3, according to an oddsmaker.
You read that right.
The Celtics, who would have to win four of the potential five remaining games to win the series, are still favored to do so, coming in at -120 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Knicks sit at +100.
The series outcome with the lowest odds is Celtics in seven at +215, followed by Celtics in six with +290 odds.
DraftKings director of sports operations, Johnny Avello, explained why it is the only major sportsbook with the Knicks at plus-money to win the series, although most sportsbooks have the series odds close to a pick'em.
'The Knicks opened the series as significant underdogs at +550 on DraftKings Sportsbook,' Avello told The Post in an email. 'Now, after storming back for another wild win and taking a 2-0 lead heading back to The Garden, they're still priced at even money to win the series, and underdogs in Game 3.
'That speaks volumes about the market's confidence in Boston's ability to bounce back and overcome their late-game struggles. Knicks fans have the chance to back their team at even money for the series — and will continue to embrace the underdog role.'
The Knicks famously could not get over the hump of the elite teams, going 0-10 against the Cavaliers, Celtics and Thunder during the regular season.
Jayson Tatum has looked like a shell of his MVP-caliber self.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Celtics, in particular, dominated the Knicks during the regular season, smashing them to the tune of a 132-109 regular season opening win.
Boston averaged 125 points spanning the four games against the Knicks and scored an insane 130.2 points per 100 possessions.
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But it might be time to throw all of that out the window.
The Celtics don't look particularly healthy in this series, as star Jayson Tatum appears to be battling a wrist injury and Jaylen Brown received knee injections prior to the playoffs and has looked like a shell of himself.
Kristaps Porzingis has been forced to sit and watch most of this series from the bench as he battles an ominous viral infection that has forced him to miss parts of the regular season as well.
The Knicks will be 5.5-point home underdogs in Game 3 on Saturday.
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