Last Updated on November 13, 2024 5:00 am by André Lemos | Published: October 22, 2024

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New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics

Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

NYK +5.5 (+180), BOS -5.5 (-225)
Game Total 223.5

Key Storylines

How to win with no frontcourt depth: The Knicks are one of the most interesting teams to watch this season thanks to their big acquisitions (Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns) but it’ll be hard to judge them fairly when their only real healthy frontcourt alternative is Jericho Sims. The absences of Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) will definitely be a factor in tomorrow’s Eastern Conference titan clash. However, New York should prove to be a tough match either way and it’ll be interesting to see how much Tom Thibodeau will play his favorite players in the first game of the year, clarifying if there would be a real second unit on this team or not.

Championship Revenge Tour?: Having won the NBA Finals last season but being left off the Olympic team, or being called and receiving little to no minutes in most games, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum might have a chip on their shoulders as big as the one they carried before they won a ring. And what better stage to start this revenge tour than their main rival in the Eastern Conference? This will be a battle, although the Knicks might be short on names in their frontcourt. It’ll also be interesting to see how the second unit of the Celtics will be defined moving forward with names like Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser leading it.

Stream of the Game

Jericho Sims will need to see some decent minutes tomorrow unless the Knicks plan to play KAT 42 minutes straight or without a paint-defender for decent stretches. Payton Pritchard is also a good option as the leader of Boston’s second unit.

Alternatives: Al Horford (blocks/rebounds), Miles McBride (points), Sam Hauser (points, 3s, steals), Luke Kornet (points, rebounds)

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Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Lakers

Game Time: 10:00 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

MIN -1.5 (-120), LAL +1.5  (+100)
Game Total 219.5

Key Storylines

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