Game Details:
Matchup: Knicks vs Celtics
Date & Time: Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Betting Line: Celtics -5.5 | Over/Under: 215.0

Key Storylines

Postseason Atmosphere

It’s May basketball and even though it’s not the playoffs yet for every team, tonight’s Celtics-Knicks clash has all the tension and intensity of a first-round series. Both teams are jockeying for seeding in the Eastern Conference, with the Celtics aiming to maintain their standing near the top while the Knicks look to break into the top four for home-court advantage.

Season Series on the Line

The Celtics and Knicks have squared off three times this season, with Boston holding a 2-1 lead. The Knicks pulled off a gritty 109-106 win in their last encounter at Madison Square Garden behind Jalen Brunson’s 36-point performance. A win tonight would even the series ahead of a potential playoff matchup.

Knicks’ Road Form vs Celtics’ Home Dominance

The Knicks have been solid on the road this year with a 21-18 away record, but TD Garden remains one of the toughest arenas in the league. The Celtics are a league-best 34-7 on home court, largely thanks to their suffocating defense and timely three-point shooting.

Injury Report

Knicks:
Out: Julius Randle (shoulder), Mitchell Robinson (ankle)
Questionable: OG Anunoby (elbow), Josh Hart (knee)

Celtics:
Out: Kristaps Porzingis (calf)
Questionable: Jrue Holiday (ankle)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Knicks: 40-35-2 ATS
Celtics: 38-36-3 ATS

Over/Under Trends:
Total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 10 games for both teams
Boston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 home games
Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 overall

Player Props to Watch

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 27.5
Brunson has scored 30+ in 3 of his last 4 outings and will again be the offensive engine, especially with Randle out.

Jayson Tatum (Celtics) – Rebounds Total: 8.5
Without Porzingis, expect Tatum to take on more rebounding duties, offering value on the Over.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Celtics -5.5 → Despite Knicks’ strong road play, Boston’s home dominance and deeper team depth without Randle in the fold give the Celtics the edge.

Total: Under 215.0 → With both teams ranking in the top 10 defensively, and key scorers potentially out or limited, expect a slugfest rather than a shootout.

Player Prop: Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 points → High usage and recent form indicate another big night.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics 106, Knicks 99