The New York Knicks defeated the 76ers 110-96 in Philadelphia on Thursday, ending a four-game losing streak and starting the second half of the NBA season.
The Knicks return to the Garden on Saturday night for an Atlantic Division battle against the Boston Celtics, who own the league’s best record at 44-12.
The Celtics beat the 8.5-point favorite Bulls 129-112 on Thursday in Chicago, winning their seventh straight game.
Boston defeated Chicago 70-50 in the second half, with Celtics guard Derrick White leading the way with 28 points.
The Knicks built a 23-point lead at halftime against Philadelphia, with recently acquired Bojan Bogdanovic leading the team with 22 points.
The former Villanova trio of Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart combined for 55 points in their return to Philadelphia, going 34-22.
Boston has beaten New York three times this season, including a 108-104 win in the season opener at the Garden.
The Knicks are just 1-3 in their last four home games since winning seven straight home games from mid-January to early February.
The Celtics have won seven straight road games while posting a 4-2-1 mark against the spread.
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Boston won each of the first three games, even though Julius Randle was in the Knicks lineup for all three games.
With Randle (and OGs Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson) out, it’s hard to think the Knicks will do better against this Celtics machine.
Look for points against the Celtics on the road on Saturday.
play: Celtics -6.5.
