Boston Celtics (61-21) vs New York Knicks (51-31)
Game Info: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm (TD Garden)
The Line: Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -10.5 — Over/Under: 210.5
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The New York Knicks came into the second round fresh off a 4-2 series win over the Pistons, and they must be feeling good right now after taking down the Celtics in a thrilling 108-105 comeback victory in Game 1 on Monday. OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson led the team in scoring with 29 points each, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart each scored 14 points, while Miles McBride chipped in with 11 points off the bench.
As a team, the Knicks shot just 42 percent from the field and 17 of 37 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start. They scored just 45 points in the first half to find themselves trailing by as many as 20 points. Before they played great defense and held the Celtics to just 16 points in the fourth quarter to set up the impressive upset win in overtime.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics were coming into this round fresh off a 4-1 series win over the Magic, but they are now in a bit of trouble after dropping Game 1 to the Knicks in their own building on Monday night. Jayson Tatum led the team with 23 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, Jaylen Brown added 23 points with seven rebounds and five assists, Derrick White drained five 3-pointers to finish with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks while Jrue Holiday chipped in with 16 points.
As a team, the Celtics shot just 35 percent from the field and a miserly 15 of 60 from the 3-point line as they dominated most of the game to lead by as many as 20 points in the third quarter. Before they fell in love with the 3-point shot, which proved to be their downfall in the end. Instead of moving the ball, playing through contact and looking for high percentage shots, the Celtics just went into isolation plays and quick 3-point shots, which made it so much easier for the Knicks to defend.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last 17 night games following a home loss.
- The Knicks have lost each of their nine previous night games at TD Garden after coming off overtime.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last six games following a home loss.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six Wednesday night games.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The underdogs have won each of the Knicks’ last four playoff games.
- The Celtics have lost three of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Knicks’ last four games.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Derrick White ranks 7th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.5) this season.
- Jaylen Brown ranks 22nd amongst qualified players for points per game (22.2) this season.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Miles McBride ranks 4th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.6) this season.
- Cameron Payne ranks 7th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.9) this season.
New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Knicks are expected to have a full squad once again, while the Celtics have ruled out Sam Hauser, and they are still keeping an eye on Kristaps Porzingis who is dealing with an illness. It seems like the lengthy layoff didn’t do the Celtics much good, as they were unable to draw first blood in the series despite leading by as many as 20 points in the third quarter on Monday. The Knicks were manhandled by the Celtics during the regular season, so they were heavy underdogs heading into this series, but the Celtics’ brain explosion on Monday really opens the door for the Knicks.
The Celtics are 20-2 SU and 18-4 ATS following a loss this season, but this line just seems too hefty for a playoff game. I expect the Celtics to square up the series with a crucial win here, but I still think the Knicks hang around and keep this within single digits in the end.