Knicks vs. Celtics Picks and Prediction – 5/7/2025

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 Game:

  • Game 1: Knicks defeated the Celtics 108-105 on the road

  • Series: Knicks lead 1-0 (East Semifinals)

Head-to-Head:

The Knicks took Game 1 behind stellar shooting (17-for-37 from deep) and clutch play from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. The Celtics shot just 35% from the field and a dismal 15-for-60 from beyond the arc in that loss, despite outrebounding New York 59-49.

New York Knicks Breakdown:

The Knicks have now won 5 straight road playoff games, playing with grit and composure. They’re averaging 107.7 points per game in their last 10 and shooting nearly 45% from the floor. The team’s defense continues to shine, ranking 2nd in postseason defensive efficiency.

Key Players:

  • Jalen Brunson: 26.0 PPG, 6.1 APG, 37.1% 3PT

  • OG Anunoby: 29 points in Game 1

  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 14 PTS, 13 REB in Game 1

Boston Celtics Breakdown:

The Celtics, despite their strong regular season, are facing adversity early in this series. Their postseason 3PT struggles are becoming a concern, and Kristaps Porzingis was held scoreless in just 13 minutes in Game 1 due to illness. Boston is still a dominant team at home (7-1 SU in last 8 at TD Garden), but they’ll need much better shot selection and tempo control to bounce back.

Key Players:

  • Jayson Tatum: 19.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG

  • Jaylen Brown: 23 PTS in Game 1

  • Derrick White: 19 PTS, 11 REB in Game 1

Betting Trends:

New York Knicks:

  • 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games

  • 4-1 SU in last 5 overall

  • 2nd in playoff defensive efficiency

Boston Celtics:

  • 16-4 SU in last 20 games

  • 7-1 SU in last 8 home games

  • Covered -10.5 spread in only 5 of last 10 home games

Exact Score Prediction:

Boston Celtics 104 – New York Knicks 99

Our Best Bet:

New York Knicks +10.5 (-110)

This spread is simply too wide for a playoff game between two defensively elite teams, especially considering New York’s stellar road record and Boston’s shooting inconsistencies. Unless Boston shoots significantly better from three, this game should stay close again. Even if the Celtics manage to tie the series, the Knicks are a great value to cover the number.

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