New York Knicks (51-31 SU, 45-43 ATS) vs. Boston Celtics (61-21 SU, 41-45 ATS)
Date & Time: Monday, May 5th, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET
Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV Coverage: TNT
Point Spread: NY +9 | BOS -9
Total: 212.5
Money Line: Knicks +321 | Celtics -410
Key Matchup Insights
The New York Knicks (51-31) travel to TD Garden for a high-stakes Eastern Conference showdown against the Boston Celtics (61-21). This Atlantic Division rivalry features the 2nd-ranked Celtics hosting the 3rd-ranked Knicks in what promises to be an intense playoff atmosphere.
Notable Injuries
New York Knicks
- P.J. Tucker (Questionable) – Back
Boston Celtics
- No Injuries Reported
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New York Knicks
The Knicks closed out their playoff series with an impressive 116-113 road victory over the Detroit Pistons. As 1.5-point underdogs, New York not only won outright but covered the spread. The combined 229 points easily surpassed the total line of 213.5.
New York seized control early with an 11-0 run, turning a 12-8 deficit into a 19-12 advantage. They dominated the first quarter (37-23) and third quarter (37-24), building a 96-85 lead heading into the fourth. Despite being outscored 28-20 in the final frame, the Knicks maintained their composure to secure the series-clinching win.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics demonstrated their championship potential with a dominant 120-89 victory over the Orlando Magic in their playoff matchup. Favored by 11.5 points, Boston covered comfortably with a 31-point margin of victory. The game’s 209 total points exceeded the 199.5 line.
After a slow start that saw them trailing 27-23 after the first quarter, the Celtics gradually took control with a 24-22 second quarter advantage. Boston’s defense suffocated Orlando in the third, holding them to just 13 points while scoring 36. A decisive 13-0 run expanded their lead from 76-62 to 89-62, and they finished strong by outscoring the Magic 37-27 in the fourth quarter to advance in the playoffs.
Head-to-Head History
In their last five meetings, the Celtics have established dominance with an average scoring margin of +11 points per game, resulting in a 3-2 record against the spread. These matchups have been high-scoring affairs, averaging 231 points per game with a 4-1 over-under record.
Team Analysis
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson continued his stellar playoff performance with a 40-point, 7-assist showing against Detroit, shooting 45.5% from the field and connecting on 3 three-pointers. Mikal Bridges provided efficient secondary scoring with 25 points on 68.8% shooting, while OG Anunoby added 22 points including 4 three-pointers at 40% efficiency.
As a team, the Knicks shot 47.7% overall and made 10 three-pointers at a 33.3% clip. Brunson was particularly effective in key stretches, scoring 15 points in the first quarter and adding 10 more in both the third and fourth quarters.
Defensively, New York struggled in the second quarter, allowing 38 points, but they tightened up considerably in the first and third quarters, surrendering just 23 and 24 points respectively. The Knicks effectively defended the perimeter, limiting Detroit to 9 three-pointers on 26% shooting while collecting 6 steals and 4 blocks.
Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum led Boston’s playoff offensive onslaught with 35 points and 10 assists, including 4 three-pointers at an exceptional 80% success rate. Jaylen Brown complemented Tatum with 23 points, with 9 coming during a crucial third-quarter stretch.
The Celtics showcased their offensive efficiency by shooting 56.6% from the field and an impressive 54.2% from beyond the arc, connecting on 13 three-pointers. Tatum scored 13 points in the decisive third quarter, while Sam Hauser provided perfect shooting off the bench.
Defensively, Boston was suffocating, limiting Orlando to just 89 points on 37% shooting. Their third-quarter defensive performance was particularly impressive, holding the Magic to only 13 points. The Celtics effectively contained Orlando’s perimeter offense, allowing just 8 three-pointers on 21% shooting while recording 5 steals and 3 blocks.
Betting Trends
- New York has been exceptional against the spread in their last three playoff road games, posting a perfect 3-0 record both straight up and ATS while averaging 109 points per game.
- Boston has struggled recently at home, going 1-2 both straight up and against the spread in their last three playoff games at TD Garden, averaging just 92 points per game during this stretch.
- As underdogs in their last five games, the Knicks have gone 2-3 straight up but 3-2 against the spread.
- In their last three games as favorites, the Celtics are 2-1 both straight up and against the spread.
Expert Pick Against The Spread
While Boston enters as a heavy favorite, New York has demonstrated resilience and competitive fire throughout the playoffs. Jalen Brunson’s clutch performance against Detroit showcased his ability to elevate in high-pressure situations. Expect the Knicks to keep this game closer than the 9-point spread indicates.
Betting Pick: New York Knicks +9
