The floundering New York Knicks will attempt to turn things around this evening as they host Atlantic rival Boston at Madison Square Garden. Tonight's divisional contest is scheduled to get underway at 7:30pm ET on NBA TV. The latest NBA Spreads are favoring the Celtics, which are currently tied with the Bulls for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, at -2 against the spread; the Over/Under is set at 198.
NewYork hoped bigger and better things were on the horizon when they acquired Carmelo Anthony shorty after the All Star 
break, but thus far the move has done nothing to positively affect the team's standing in the Eastern Conference. Since dealing for the former Syracuse star, the Knicks have posted a 7-8 record and dropped to third in the Atlantic Division standings.
Anthony pointed out the other night that "It'll just take some time" before the new look team fully gels, but a win over the hated Celtics would certainly create some much needed positive momentum.
New York has dropped two in a row and five of its last six games to fall to 35-34 on the year. Two of those losses came back to back against Indiana, reducing the Knicks lead over the eighth place Pacers to 5.5. games.
New York need not fret over its playoff situation just yet, but it cannot take it for granted either, not if it keeps playing like it has over the last 10 days.
Boston, which has won six of its last seven meetings with the Knicks, pulled back into a first place tie with Chicago on Saturday night thanks to an 89-85 win at New Orleans. The victory came on the heels of an ugly 77-93 loss at Houston.
While Boston (49-19), given its recent track record against New York, would seem like the play this evening, the Knicks might be worth a look. The Celtics have had difficulty stringing wins together of late, and their presence at the Garden tonight might be enough to wake the Knicks from their current daze.
Celtics vs Knicks NBA Spreads March 21st, 2011:
Boston Celtics -2 (-110), Over 198 (-110), -125 (Moneyline)
New York Knicks +2 (-110), Under 198 (-110), +115 (Moneyline)
