I'm having a hard time finding an angle on this game that tips me one way or the other. I can see scenarios where either team gets the win tonight. Of course I want Boston to win, but the Knicks are due for a good game. One thing is for sure, the C's are going to be bombing up 3's. If they are falling, they have a chance.
In my opinion, the only complete game the Knicks played was game 4. Four starters had 20+points and 4 of 5 starters had a +/- of +4 or better(Kat had -1). It was the only game the C's didn't have a 20+ point lead during the game. Games 1 & 2 were lost BY Boston because of bad coaching and shot selection. Boston's 2 wins in games 3 & 5 were dominant. Boston has outscored NY by 35 points this series. One major thing that sticks out to me this series that is important is the play of OG and Bridges. Yes, Bridges made 2 great defensive plays to end games 1 & 2, but I would argue that Boston had 2 terrible play calls and shouldn't have even been in those positions after blowing huge leads. OG/Bridges are the key for the Knicks. If they ball out tonight and contribute offensively, this could be the end for Boston. They avg 35+ PPG combined during the regular season. They are down to 25 in this series(game 4 was only game for them BOTH to hit double digits).
Check out these +/- stats...
OG - game 1 -1, game 2 -11, game 3 -25, game 4 +4, game 5 -15
Bridges - game 1 +3, game 2 -6, game 3 -19, game 4 +14, game 5 -25
Unfortunate that Porzingis is in poor health. If he can get his shit together for a game, he could be a game changer. Who knows what will happen with him. I'm sure Brunson will get over 20, but I'm hoping White/Holiday can hold him to under 30 as he's eclipsed that total only once this series. Strategy has to be stop Brunson and make 1 of the other guys beat you(not sure why Det couldn't figure this out).
The Plays...
Celtics team total over 105 - you know they'll be shooting the 3's...will they stay hot? 4 out of 5 games went over this total this series
M. Robinson Over 12.5 P/R - has been very involved in every game having eclipsed 10+ points/rebounds every game. Hack-a-Mitch may be in play so this should hit again.
Kornet Over 11.5 P/R - Hopefully Mazulla stays with the hot big man. He was a game changer in game 5...let him cook.
Kornet 2+ blocks +110 - can he get aggressive on D again like game 5?
Brunson under 30.5 - Det did a terrible job defending him but the C's have done well with White/Holiday. Foul trouble again for Brunson?
OG 10+ points/Bridges 10+ points/NY ML parlay +112(hoping NY loses to get a game 7 but like I said, NY & these 2 guys are due, I'll sprinkle a little on this in case my C's season ends tonight)