Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks: Game 6 Betting Preview
Date & Time: Friday, May 16th | 8:00 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV Coverage: ESPN
|Point Spread: Boston +2.5 / New York -2.5
Total: 210 points
Money Line: Boston +120 / New York -141
Series Status
This is Game 6 of the playoff series. The Celtics are looking to force a Game 7 after their surprising 127-102 victory in Game 5.
Previous Game Recap (Game 5)
Final Score: Boston 127, New York 102
Boston dominated at home as 5-point favorites, covering the spread with a 25-point victory. After trailing 32-30 in the first quarter, the Celtics took control with an 11-0 run that turned a 71-68 game into an 82-68 lead. Boston outscored New York 32-17 in the third quarter and 36-26 in the fourth to seal the convincing win. The total of 229 points went over the posted line of 208.
Team Analysis
Boston Celtics (61-21 SU, 43-48 ATS)
- Season Record: 61-21 SU, 43-48 ATS
- Eastern Conference: 2nd place
- Atlantic Division: 1st place
- Last 10 Road Games: 7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS
- Road Average: 110 points per game
- Last 3 as Underdog: 1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS
New York Knicks (51-31 SU, 48-45 ATS)
- Season Record: 51-31 SU, 48-45 ATS
- Eastern Conference: 3rd place
- Atlantic Division: 2nd place
- Last 10 Home Games: 7-3 SU, 7-3 ATS
- Home Average: 107 points scored, 109 points allowed
- Last 10 as Favorite: 7-3 SU, 7-3 ATS
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Start Saving Today!Notable Injuries
Boston Celtics
- Jayson Tatum (Out) – Achilles
New York Knicks
- Precious Achiuwa (Questionable) – Ankle
Key Player Performances (Game 5)
Boston Celtics
- Derrick White: 34 points, 7 threes (53.8% from deep)
- Jaylen Brown: 26 points, 12 assists, 60% from three (3 made)
- Payton Pritchard: 8 points in 4th quarter, 5 threes total
- Jrue Holiday: 8 points in 4th quarter
- Team: 52.4% FG, 44.9% from three (22 made)
New York Knicks
- Josh Hart: 24 points, 5 threes (55.6% from deep)
- Jalen Brunson: 22 points (41.2% FG)
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 19 points (9 in 4th quarter)
- Team: 35.8% FG, 40% from three (12 made)
Head-to-Head History
In the last 5 head-to-head matchups, the Knicks are 3-2 ATS, but Boston has outscored New York on average (110-103). The over-under record is 2-2-1, with games averaging 213 points.
Analysis & Prediction
Despite missing Jayson Tatum, the Celtics showed tremendous resilience in Game 5, with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown leading a balanced offensive attack. Boston’s three-point shooting (44.9%) was the difference-maker, connecting on 22 attempts from beyond the arc. The Celtics also stepped up defensively, limiting New York to just 35.8% shooting and forcing them into a difficult offensive rhythm.
The Knicks struggled significantly in Game 5, particularly in the third quarter where they were outscored 32-17. While Josh Hart provided a bright spot with his efficient shooting, the team couldn’t maintain their early momentum after leading 32-30 in the first quarter.
With the series now heading back to Madison Square Garden, the Knicks will have the home court advantage and the pressure to close out the series. Tom Thibodeau will likely make adjustments after the Game 5 disappointment, and historically, the Knicks have been strong at home (7-3 SU and ATS in their last 10 home games).
Betting Pick
New York Knicks -2.5
The Celtics surprised everyone with their Game 5 performance, but replicating that effort on the road without Tatum will be challenging. Tom Thibodeau’s teams are known for making crucial adjustments, and the Knicks’ home court advantage at Madison Square Garden should prove decisive. New York’s 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 home games and their strong performance as favorites this season support taking the Knicks to win and cover the spread.
