Boston Celtics (61-21) vs New York Knicks (51-31)
Game Info: Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm (TD Garden)
The Line: Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -8.5 — Over/Under: 213
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The New York Knicks are coming into the second round with plenty of confidence after outlasting the Pistons in a tightly contested six-game series in the first round. Jalen Brunson has been in great form so far as he is averaging 31.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 19.7 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, OG Anunoby is averaging 17.3 points and 1.7 blocks per game, Mikal Bridges is averaging 16.2 points per game, while Josh Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game so far. As a team, the Knicks scored 108.0 points per game against the Pistons while shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from the 3-point line.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics will be well-rested, as they are coming into this round fresh off a 4-1 series win over the Magic. Jayson Tatum missed one game during these playoffs but still averaged 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 23.0 points, 7.6 points, and 2.4 assists per game. Derrick White has been on fire from the perimeter, with averages of 17.2 points and 4.8 assists per game. Kristaps Porzingis has been healthy and is averaging 12.0 points and 5.5 assists per game. As a team, the Celtics scored 106.4 points per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from the 3-point line, but they have been stellar on the defensive end as they won their four games by an average of 16.5 points.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won 20 of their last 21 games at TD Garden when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Knicks have lost each of their eight previous Eastern Conference Semifinals road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The favorites have covered the spread in four of the Knicks’ last five games at TD Garden.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The underdogs have won four of the Knicks’ last five playoff games.
- The Celtics have lost six of their last 12 Eastern Conference Semifinals games as favorites following a win.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in four of their last five playoff road games against the Celtics.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Derrick White ranks 7th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.5) this season.
- Kristaps Porzingis ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made Per Game (2.5) this season.
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.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction
These teams met four times in the regular season, with the Celtics smashing the Knicks three times by double digits, before they took a 119-117 overtime win back on April 8. The Knicks needed a bit of luck to get past the pesky Pistons in the first round, but they are going to need a lot more luck to be able to challenge these Celtics, who have tormented them all season. Coming off a long layoff, there’s always a chance that the Celtics start with a lack of urgency, but they have been a matchup nightmare for the Knicks. I don’t see that changing now that the stakes are higher. The line seems a bit high, but the Celtics are fully healthy and ready to draw first blood with a win and cover in front of a raucous home crowd.