NBA Playoffs 2013: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics, Game 3 Picks

The Boston Celtics have scored just 48 combined points in the second half against the New York Knicks in the first two games of their playoff series, which is important to consider when making your NBA playoff picks on Friday night as the two teams meet in Game 3 at the TD Garden.

NBA handicappers will find that the Celtics are three-point home favorites in the pro basketball odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total stands at 182.5 in the market.

Let's take a closer look at this Eastern Conference quarterfinals matchup from a betting perspective, while offering up an against-the-spread pick along the way.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series, with forward Carmelo Anthony leading the way offensively—averaging 36.0 points per game.

Sports bettors will find that the Knicks are 5-2 straight up and against the spread as road underdogs of three points or less since the start of the regular season. 

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics were 22-17-1 against the spread at home this season, with the OVER going 21-18-1 in that situation.

Over the last two-plus seasons, the Celtics have won all five of their Game 3 matchups in playoff action, with the UNDER cashing in four of those five contests. 

Prediction

I'm going to recommend that readers back the Boston Celtics in the first half as one of their pro basketball picks on Friday, as they've gone 13-5 against the spread in their last 18 home games.

NBA Pick: Boston Celtics -1.5 First Half

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