NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks head to Boston with a chance to earn a trip to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.
Sadly, the Celtics won’t be whole in Game 5 and beyond after Jayson Tatum went down with a torn Achilles tendon late in the fourth quarter Monday.
Boston’s offense has struggled even with Tatum in the lineup.
Now, the Celtics are searching for someone to step up.
Caesars Sportsbook promo code POSTBETDYW for Knicks vs. Celtics Game 5
You can use Caesars Sportsbook promo code POSTBETDYW, which allows bettors to snag an awesome sign-up offer, to make your pick for this game.
If you bet at least $1, you receive 10 100 percent profit boost tokens.
Knicks vs. Celtics Game 5 betting preview
Tatum averaged 26.8 points per game during the regular season and was at 25 per contest in this series before getting hurt.
That’s a big chunk of the Celtics’ scoring attack that will need to be replaced.
As expected, most of Boston’s rotation saw a scoring uptick in the 10 games Tatum missed during the regular season, but one player in particular went to another level.
Largely coming off the bench, Payton Pritchard upped his scoring average from 13.6 with a healthy Tatum to 19 a game with the superstar sidelined this season.
When Tatum was down with a wrist injury in Game 2 of the Celtics’ opening round series against the Magic, Pritchard filled the scoring void nicely, scoring 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
He’s proven he can score on this tough Knicks defense in this series as well, averaging 14.3 points on 43.9 percent shooting overall and 38.7 percent from 3 on 7.8 attempts a game.
Betting on the NBA?
- Check out the best NBA betting sites
- Read our guide on how to bet on basketball
Pritchard’s points over/under is sitting at 13.5 with juice on the Under – he’s already getting that number with a healthy Celtics roster.
With Tatum hurt and Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday struggling offensively, look for Pritchard to have a big night scoring the ball.
The play: Payton Pritchard Over 13.5 points (+100, Caesars Sportsbook)
Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., KS, LA , ME, NC, PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.