Boston Celtics (61-21 SU, 42-47 ATS) vs. New York Knicks (51-31 SU, 47-44 ATS)
Date & Time: Monday, May 12th, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV Coverage: ESPN
Point Spread: BOS -6 | NY +6
Total: 208.5
Money Line: Celtics -251 | Knicks +209
Key Matchup Insights
The Eastern Conference playoff series continues with Game 4 as the Boston Celtics (61-21) look to extend their lead over the New York Knicks (51-31) at Madison Square Garden. After a dominant 115-93 victory in Game 3, Boston now holds a 2-1 series advantage. The Knicks need to bounce back at home to even the series, while the Celtics aim to take a commanding 3-1 lead on the road.
Notable Injuries
Boston Celtics
- Sam Hauser (Questionable) – Ankle
New York Knicks
- No Injuries Reported
Series Recap
Game 3: Celtics 115, Knicks 93
Boston took control of the series with a commanding 115-93 victory at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The Celtics entered as 6-point favorites and covered the spread comfortably. The combined 208 points fell just under the 209.5 total line.
Boston established dominance early, building a 36-20 first-quarter lead and extending it to 71-46 at halftime. They maintained control through the third quarter, leading 96-70 before New York outscored them 23-19 in garbage time during the fourth quarter.
Series Standing
Boston currently leads the series 2-1. The Celtics sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference at 61-21, while the Knicks are 3rd in the East at 51-31.
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Start Saving Today!Player Performance (Game 3)
Boston Celtics
- Payton Pritchard: 23 points, 5 three-pointers, scored 7 in 1st quarter and 6 in 2nd
- Jayson Tatum: 22 points, 5 three-pointers
- Jaylen Brown: 19 points, 10 in the 2nd quarter
- Derrick White: 17 points, 8 in the 3rd quarter
- Team Shooting: 48.2% FG, 50% 3PT (20 made), 15-17 FT (88.2%)
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson: 27 points, 7 assists, 3-8 from three (37.5%)
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 21 points, 15 rebounds, 27.8% FG
- Team Shooting: 40% FG, 20% 3PT (5 made)
Shooting Analysis (Game 3)
Boston Celtics
- Three-Point Performance: 20-40 from three (50%)
- Field Goal Percentage: 48.2%
- Free Throws: 15-17 (88.2%)
- Scoring by Quarter: 36-35-25-19
New York Knicks
- Three-Point Performance: 5-25 from three (20%)
- Field Goal Percentage: 40%
- Scoring by Quarter: 20-26-24-23
- Defensive Rebounds: 26
- Allowed Offensive Rebounds: 12
- Defensive Stats: 3 steals, 2 blocks
Head-to-Head History
In the last five meetings between these teams, the Knicks hold a 3-2 advantage against the spread. However, the Celtics maintain a positive scoring margin of +7 points per game during this span. The teams have averaged a combined 211 points per game, resulting in a 1-3-1 over-under record.
Team Form
Boston Celtics (61-21)
- Current Series Standing: Leading 2-1
- Road Record (Recent): 3-2 straight-up, 2-3 ATS in last 5 road games
- As Favorite (Recent): 1-2 straight-up and ATS in last 3 games
- Road Scoring: Averaging 102 points in last 5 road games
New York Knicks (51-31)
- Current Series Standing: Down 2-1
- Home Record (Recent): 3-0 straight-up and ATS in last 3 home games
- As Underdog (Recent): 4-1 straight-up and ATS in last 5 games
- Home Scoring: Averaging 105 points in last 3 home games
Key Factors for Game 4
Boston’s Three-Point Explosion: The Celtics’ 20-40 performance from three-point range in Game 3 (50%) was devastating. Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum each hit 5 threes, showcasing Boston’s depth and offensive firepower. This shooting display highlights why Boston can be so dangerous when their outside shots are falling.
New York’s Shooting Struggles: The Knicks managed just 5-25 from three-point range (20%) in Game 3, a stark contrast to their earlier series success. Jalen Brunson’s 27 points and Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double weren’t enough to overcome the team’s poor perimeter shooting.
First-Half Dominance: Boston’s 71-46 halftime lead was the story of Game 3. The Celtics outscored New York 36-20 in the first quarter and 35-26 in the second, essentially ending the game before halftime. The Knicks will need a much better start to stay competitive.
Home Court Advantage: Despite the Game 3 loss, the Knicks had been perfect at home in their previous three games (3-0 straight-up and ATS). They’ll look to recapture that home magic to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.
Betting Trends Analysis
- Boston has struggled to cover as favorites lately, going 1-2 ATS in their last three games as favorites
- New York has been excellent as underdogs, going 4-1 both straight-up and ATS in their last five games in that role
- The Knicks had been perfect at home (3-0 ATS) before Game 3’s loss
- Boston’s road ATS record has been mediocre at 2-3 in their last five away games
Expert Pick Against The Spread
While Boston’s Game 3 performance was impressive, several factors suggest the Knicks could bounce back in Game 4. New York’s previous home success (3-0 ATS before Game 3) and their strong record as underdogs (4-1 ATS in last five) indicate resilience. The Celtics have also shown vulnerability as favorites, going just 1-2 ATS in their last three games in that role.
Game 3’s 20-40 three-point performance by Boston is unlikely to be repeated – that 50% clip represents an outlier that typically regresses. The Knicks should shoot better from three than their 20% Game 3 showing, especially playing at home where they’ve been comfortable.
However, Boston’s overall talent and momentum from their dominant Game 3 victory cannot be ignored. The Celtics averaged 102 points in their last five road games and have shown they can perform in hostile environments.
Betting Pick: Boston Celtics -6
Despite the potential for a Knicks bounce-back, Boston’s performance in Game 3 demonstrated their ceiling when clicking on all cylinders. Expect the Celtics to maintain their series momentum and cover the 6-point spread, potentially building a commanding 3-1 series lead. Their depth, highlighted by Pritchard’s 23-point contribution, gives them multiple avenues to victory even if their three-point shooting regresses.
