Game Details:
Matchup: Celtics vs. Knicks
Date & Time: Monday, May 12, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Betting Line: Celtics -2.5 | Over/Under: 215.5

Key Storylines

Eastern Conference Clash with Postseason Implications

With the playoff race heating up, the Celtics and Knicks face off in a pivotal late-season game that could influence postseason seeding. Boston currently holds a slender lead over New York in the Eastern standings, making this matchup more than just a rivalry—it’s a potential playoff preview.

Celtics Heating Up at the Right Time

Boston enters tonight’s matchup riding a four-game winning streak, showing strong cohesion on both ends. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead the charge offensively, while the defense has ratcheted up in crunch time. The Celtics are 7-3 in their last 10 games and boast one of the top defensive ratings in the league.

Knicks Battling Injuries, But Still Dangerous at Home

Despite dealing with multiple injuries, the Knicks remain formidable at Madison Square Garden. They’re 24-13 at home this season and have leaned on the steady play of Jalen Brunson, who has averaged over 27 points per game since the All-Star break. However, short-handed depth could be a concern against a deep Celtics squad.

Injury Report

Celtics:
Out: Kristaps Porziņģis (calf), Luke Kornet (ankle)
Questionable: Al Horford (rest)

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

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

Celtics: 38-30 ATS this season
Knicks: 34-32 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

The total has gone under in 7 of Boston’s last 10 games
The total has gone over in 8 of New York’s last 11 home games

Player Prop to Watch

Jayson Tatum (Celtics) – Points Total: 26.5
Tatum posted 31 points in the last encounter vs. the Knicks and thrives in spotlight games. With Porziņģis sidelined, expect the Celtics offense to flow more through him—making the over on his points prop a strong consideration.

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Assists Total: 6.5
Brunson will be shouldering even more playmaking responsibilities with Randle and Anunoby out. He’s logged 7+ assists in four of his last five games.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Celtics -2.5 → With Boston’s recent form and the Knicks shorthanded, the Celtics are poised to cover even on the road.

Total: Under 215.5 → Boston’s defense combined with New York’s injury-depleted roster suggests a lower-scoring game.

Player Prop: Jayson Tatum Over 26.5 points → High usage and favorable matchup with no Randle or Anunoby defending him.

The Knicks will look to energize the Garden crowd, but Boston’s deeper, healthier rotation gives them the edge. Expect a hard-fought, physical game with playoff-level intensity, but the Celtics should emerge victorious late.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics 108, Knicks 101