Boston Celtics (61-21) vs New York Knicks (51-31)
May 14, 2025 at 07:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -4.5 — Over/Under: 207.5
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The New York Knicks are now in complete control of the series after taking a 3-1 series lead with a 121-113 home win over the Celtics in Game 4 on Monday. Jalen Brunson led the team with 39 points and 12 assists, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 23 points, while OG Anunoby chipped in with 20 points.
As a team, the Knicks shot 54 percent from the field and 12 of 34 from the 3-point line as they had to weather an early storm from the Celtics. Before they dominated the second half by 70-51 to run down a 14-point deficit and win comfortably in the end despite just 10 points from their bench and just six points from Josh Hart, who battled foul trouble all night.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics now finds themselves on the brink of elimination after blowing yet another hot start to the game on Monday. Jayson Tatum led the team with 42 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Derrick White drained six 3-pointers on his way to 23 points while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 20 points.
As a team, the Celtics shot 48 percent from the field and 18 of 48 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 39 points in the first quarter to take an early 14-point lead. However, their over reliance on the 3-point shot came back to bite them in the second half, where the Knicks took over. The Celtics got manhandled in this one as they got outrebounded by 43-31 while getting outscored by 64-32 in the paint.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won 24 of their last 27 games after losing as favorites.
- The Knicks have lost eight of their 10 previous Eastern Conference Semifinals road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in six of their last seven games as favorites following a loss.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five night games at TD Garden following a home win.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won each of their last four games as road underdogs.
- The Celtics have lost three of their last four games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in each of their last four playoff games as road underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Kristaps Porzingis ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made Per Game (2.5) this season.
- Luke Kornet ranks 10th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.8) 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
The Knicks are coming in with a full squad once again, while the Celtics have ruled out Sam Hauser. They are keeping an eye on Jayson Tatum, who is currently listed as day to day with a lower leg injury. The Celtics have shown the capability to blow the Knicks out in every single game this series, but they still find themselves with their backs against the wall.
The Knicks certainly hold all the momentum, and they’ve already beaten the Celtics twice at home in this series. But while I don’t see the Celtics climbing out of this hole, I expect them to put together one last stand at home. This will extend the series just a little longer behind big games from players like White and Brown.