Game Details:
Matchup: Knicks vs. Celtics
Date & Time: Monday, May 5, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Betting Line: Celtics -4.5 | Over/Under: 213.0

Key Storylines

Playoff Implications

This Eastern Conference showdown between the Knicks and Celtics has major playoff implications. Boston currently holds the No. 2 seed, while the Knicks are fighting to maintain their top-6 position and avoid the play-in tournament. Both teams have been formidable on defense, setting the stage for a physical, grinding battle.

Star Guards Headlining Matchup

Jalen Brunson has been electric for the Knicks, averaging 26.9 points and 6.6 assists per game this season. On the other side, Jayson Tatum continues to lead Boston with 27.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. Expect fireworks as these stars look to out-duel each other in a prime-time clash.

Knicks Road Form vs. Celtics Home Dominance

New York has been competitive on the road this season, posting a 20-17 away record, but Boston’s home performance has been elite with a 31-7 mark at TD Garden. The Celtics’ ability to protect their home court could be the deciding factor.

Injury Report

Knicks:
Out: Julius Randle (shoulder), Mitchell Robinson (ankle)
Questionable: OG Anunoby (elbow), Bojan Bogdanović (calf)

Celtics:
Out: Kristaps Porziņģis (hamstring)
Probable: Jaylen Brown (back)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Knicks: 38-34-3 ATS this season
Celtics: 40-32-3 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:
Total has gone under in 38 of Knicks’ 75 games
Total has gone under in 41 of Celtics’ 75 games

Player Props to Watch

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 25.5
Brunson has scored 25+ in five of his last seven games, and with Randle out, his usage rate spikes significantly. The over looks promising unless Boston traps him hard.

Jayson Tatum (Celtics) – Points + Assists: 32.5
Tatum’s all-around production continues to stand out. Against a short-handed Knicks frontcourt, he might dominate both as a scorer and playmaker.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Celtics -4.5 → Boston’s depth advantage and home-court strength could help them edge out the Knicks late, especially if Anunoby doesn’t suit up.

Total: Under 213.0 → Both defenses rank in the top 5, and slowing pace on both sides suggests a low-scoring slugfest.

Player Prop: Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points → New York will lean on Brunson heavily with Randle sidelined.

Look for this one to come down to defense and timely shot-making. The Celtics have the slightly deeper rotation, and that may be enough to close out a tightly contested matchup at home.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics 106, Knicks 100