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

New York Knicks (50-32) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18)
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: TNT, truTV, Max

Previous Games:

  • Knicks: Riding a 3-game road win streak in the playoffs

  • Celtics: Dominated Orlando 120-89 in last game

Head-to-Head:

Boston swept the Knicks 4-0 in the regular season, averaging 125 points per game in those matchups. The Celtics’ offensive spacing, shooting, and length consistently gave New York problems, especially on the perimeter where Boston outpaced the Knicks from beyond the arc.

New York Knicks Breakdown:

The Knicks enter Game 1 after a gritty, high-effort series. Jalen Brunson continues his elite postseason run, averaging 25.8 PPG with strong usage and shot creation. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby provide two-way versatility, but New York's depth may be tested here. They’re allowing just 108.7 PPG in the playoffs but now face the NBA’s top-rated offense at home.

Key Players:

  • Jalen Brunson: 40 points, 7 assists last game

  • Mikal Bridges: 25 points on 68.8% FG

  • OG Anunoby: 22 points, 5 rebounds

Boston Celtics Breakdown:

The Celtics boast a well-rested roster and elite two-way production. They’ve won 3 straight home playoff games by double digits and have held teams to under 100 points in 4 of their last 5. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the charge, and Jrue Holiday’s return boosts their perimeter defense. Boston is averaging 107.4 PPG over their last 10 but limiting opponents to just 95.1 PPG.

Key Players:

  • Jayson Tatum: 35 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds last game

  • Jaylen Brown: 23 points

  • Derrick White: 2.6 threes per game at 38.8%

Betting Trends:

New York Knicks:

  • 6-4 ATS in last 10

  • 5-5 SU in last 10

  • O/U: 5-5 last 10 games

Boston Celtics:

  • 8-2 SU in last 10

  • 6-4 ATS in last 10

  • Covered -9 spread in 4 of last 5 games

  • Held opponents under 100 points in 4 of last 5

Exact Score Prediction:

Boston Celtics 114 – New York Knicks 101

Our Best Bet:

Boston Celtics -9.5 (-110)

The Celtics are rested, healthy, and dominant at home — especially defensively. They’ve covered this spread consistently and have matchup advantages across the board. While Brunson will get his points, Boston’s depth, spacing, and shot-making should allow them to pull away late. Don’t overthink it — Game 1 sets the tone, and the Celtics make a statement at home.

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