Celtics vs. Knicks Picks and Prediction – 5/12/2025

Boston Celtics (1-2) vs. New York Knicks (2-1)
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: ESPN

Previous Games:

  • Game 1: Knicks 106, Celtics 103

  • Game 2: Knicks 109, Celtics 101

  • Game 3: Celtics 115, Knicks 93

Head-to-Head:

The Celtics have dominated the Knicks at MSG in recent seasons, winning five straight road games against New York. After dropping the first two games at home, Boston bounced back in a big way in Game 3, racing out to an early lead and never looking back. That kind of dominant bounce-back, especially away from home, reinforces why they were heavy series favorites entering the playoffs.

Boston Celtics Breakdown:

Boston owns the top defensive efficiency rating in the postseason, allowing just 94 points per game over their last 10. The Celtics held New York to 40% shooting and just five made threes in Game 3. Despite Kristaps Porzingis’ limited minutes due to illness, Boston saw huge bench production from Payton Pritchard and steady performances from both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Key Players:

  • Jayson Tatum: 22.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 4.7 APG

  • Derrick White: 2.8 3PM (35.4%), 13.3 PPG

New York Knicks Breakdown:

The Knicks are a gritty, defensively sound team, but offensive inconsistency continues to plague them. Jalen Brunson continues to lead the way, but New York's supporting cast struggled in Game 3. Karl-Anthony Towns, despite 21 points, was inefficient from the floor, and the team’s 20 missed threes proved costly. While New York plays hard at home, they are now 1-4 in their last five at MSG in the playoffs.

Key Players:

  • Jalen Brunson: 26.2 PPG, 6.8 APG, 35.2% from 3

  • Josh Hart: 10.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG

Betting Trends:

Boston Celtics:

  • 17-3 SU in last 20 road games

  • 5-0 SU in last 5 road games vs. New York

  • 7-3 ATS last 10 games

New York Knicks:

  • 1-3 at home in the playoffs

  • 6-4 ATS last 10 games vs. Boston

  • UNDER in 12 of last 18 games

Exact Score Prediction:

Boston Celtics 109 – New York Knicks 100

Our Best Bet:

Boston Celtics -6.5 (-110)

Boston’s defensive ceiling remains the highest in the playoffs, and with Kristaps likely healthier and their backcourt clicking, the Celtics are poised to even the series. Their elite road form, combined with the Knicks’ poor home postseason showing, makes the spread the most confident angle here. Boston is 17-3 SU on the road and has covered this number in seven of their last ten games. Expect another focused, physical effort from a championship-caliber roster.

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