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Mitchell Robinson isn’t playing big minutes, but he’s having a major impact for the Knicks through two games against the Celtics.
The 27-year-old big man is a plus-32 in 43 minutes, helping the Knicks go up 2-0 over the reigning champs.
It appears head coach Tom Thibodeau believes Robinson provides the Knicks with a matchup advantage in this series.
Robinson has logged 20-plus minutes in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
While the veteran center hasn’t provided much of a scoring punch, he’s dominating in an area where the Celtics struggle most entering Saturday’s pivotal Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.
Here’s our best bet for this semifinal clash.
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Knicks vs. Celtics Game 3 betting preview
Even in limited playing time, Robinson has 15 rebounds through two games, pulling down at least seven in both contests.
Boston was roughly average on the boards during the regular season, putting up a 50.6 rebounding rate.
But the Celtics are playing much smaller than usual in this series.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and center Mitchell Robinson (23) react after a play against the Boston Celtics in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. David Butler II-Imagn ImagesThe 7-foot-2 Kristaps Porzingis has been limited to just 27 minutes through two games in this series with a mysterious illness – and he hasn’t looked great when he’s out there, scoring just eight points while pulling down eight rebounds.
With Porzingis off the floor, Robinson – a 7-footer – has drawn Al Horford and Jayson Tatum, two players he has several inches on, and Luke Kornet, who doesn’t have quite the athleticism as the Knicks center.
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Oddsmakers have Robinson’s rebounding total at a low 5.5, likely due to questions about his playing time.
With little reason for Thibodeau to go away from him now, I’m anticipating Robinson to get his 20 minutes of play once again.
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Every time he’s hit the minutes threshold this season, Robinson has gone Over this number.
The play: Mitchell Robinson Over 5.5 rebounds (-130)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
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