The Boston Celtics lost their first game of the season on Christmas Day, and it won't get any easier on Tuesday night as they return to action against the Miami Heat.
Boston fell 106-104 on the road against the Knicks in their season-opening contest, getting 31 points and 13 assists from Rajon Rondo in the losing cause. Ray Allen tossed in 20 points for Boston that day, and Kevin Garnett had 15 points. Paul Pierce sat out Sunday's game with a bruised heel.
The Heat didn't have much trouble with the Mavericks in Dallas on Christmas Day, winning that NBA Finals rematch by a score of 105-94. LeBron James was good for 37 points in that win for Miami, with Dwyane Wade scoring 26 points in the contest. Chris Bosh was held to four points and seven boards on the day.
Including last year's playoffs the Celtics and Heat are 5-5 both straight up and against the spread on the NBA betting lines at online sportsbooks such as Bovada in their last 10 meetings. The OVER/UNDER went 5-5 in those games as well.
Four other games make up the NBA's schedule for Tuesday night this week, with Atlanta at New Jersey, Minnesota at Milwaukee, Sacramento at Portland, and Utah at the Lakers.
On Wednesday night the Heat get right back in action on the road against Charlotte; Miami is 7-3 straight up but just 3-6-1 against the spread in its last 10 matchups with the Bobcats. The OVER/UNDER went 5-5 in those 10 contests.
Also on tap on Wednesday are Indiana at Toronto, Washington at Atlanta, Cleveland at Detroit, Boston at New Orleans, Oklahoma City at Memphis, the Clippers at San Antonio, Utah at Denver, Philadelphia at Phoenix, and New York at Golden State.
The Lakers then play host to the Knicks to highlight a Thursday NBA betting slate that also includes New Jersey at Orlando, San Antonio at Houston, Dallas at Oklahoma City, Denver at Portland, and Chicago at Sacramento.
The Lakers have won eight straight games against the Knicks dating back to 2007, managing to cover the posted spread at the sportsbooks in five of those contests.