Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction 5/16/25 NBA Picks

The Boston Celtics and NY Knicks meet Friday in the NBA playoffs Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. Here’s a Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Prediction. This article will include a Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Pick.

Boston Celtics Betting Preview 

The Boston Celtics need a win to force a game 7 on Monday. The Celtics have split their last eight games overall. The Celtics look to win two straight games for the first time since April 27-29. 

The Boston Celtics are averaging 108.2 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 97.9 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Jaylen Brown is averaging 22.3 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Derrick White is averaging 19.9 points and 3.7 assists. Payton Pritchard is the third double-digit scorer and Jrue Holiday is grabbing 4.1 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc and 80.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 29.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game.

NY Knicks Betting Preview 

The NY Knicks look to make the conference finals for the first time since the 1999-00 season. The Knicks are 7-4 in these NBA playoffs and are 2-3 at home. The Knicks haven’t lost back-to-back games since April 10-11.

The NY Knicks are averaging 105.7 points on 44.3 percent shooting and allowing 108.2 points on 44.3 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is averaging 29.4 points and 3.7 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 19.6 points and 1.1 assists. OG Anunoby is the third double-digit scorer, and Mikal Bridges is dishing 2.8 assists. The NY Knicks are shooting 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 73.9 percent from the free-throw line. The NY Knicks are allowing 34.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.9 rebounds per game.

Why the New York Knicks will win

• The Knicks have won each of their last 10 games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents following a loss.
• The Celtics have lost each of their last three road games following a win.
• The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight playoff road games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
• The Knicks have covered the spread in five of their last six night games against Atlantic Division opponents.

Why the Boston Celtics will win

• The Celtics have won each of their last seven road games against the Knicks following a home win.
• The Knicks have lost three of their last four games as home favorites.
• The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last six games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.
• The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three games as favorites.

New York Knicks Player Facts

• Miles McBride ranks 4th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.6) this season.
• Jalen Brunson ranks 8th amongst qualified players for points per game (26.0) this season.

Boston Celtics Player Facts

• Luke Kornet ranks 10th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.8) this season.
• Jaylen Brown ranks 22nd amongst qualified players for points per game (22.2) this season.

Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Injury Report 

Jayson Tatum is out due to an Achilles injury. The Celtics are 9-2 SU this season without Tatum, which includes a 7-1 record since March.

Precious Achiuwa is questionable for the Knicks with an ankle injury. 

Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks Prediction

I want to lay the bucket with the Knicks at home and not overreact to game 5. However, the Celtics just played their most complete game of the playoffs. The Celtics have also been better on the road this season where they’ve racked up 35 wins. As good as the crowd is in MSG, the Knicks haven’t played well there in the playoffs. In fact, the Knicks have outright lost three of their last four home games as a favorite. Also, that Knicks crowd can get nervous very easily and if the Celtics start the game strong, it won’t be much of a factor.

There’s also the fact the Knicks players keep getting run into the ground and the longer this series plays out, the more it favors the opponent. The entire Knicks starting five are in the top-12 for playoff minutes played. There’s only one Celtic player in the top-16, who is Derick White. A battle of nutrition could be a role in a tight game like this. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Knicks close things out, but I’m leaning toward the Celtics and the free bucket.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Boston Celtics +2.5