Game Details:
Matchup: Celtics vs. Knicks
Date & Time: Friday, May 16, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Betting Line: Celtics -3.5 | Over/Under: 218.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Positioning at Stake

The Celtics and Knicks square off tonight in a potential playoff preview, with both teams jostling for positioning in the Eastern Conference standings. Boston sits in second place but just a few games ahead of a tightly packed group, while the Knicks are clinging to home-court hopes in the first round.

Celtics Riding the Momentum

Boston comes into this matchup having won 7 of its last 9 games, including a convincing home win over the 76ers earlier this week. Jayson Tatum has averaged 27.8 points during that stretch while Jaylen Brown added steady production on both ends. The defense remains one of Boston’s trademarks, allowing just 106.5 points per game over the last 10 contests.

Knicks Dealing With Key Injuries

New York has been resilient all season despite a barrage of injuries, but the continued absence of Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) leaves their frontcourt vulnerable. Jalen Brunson continues to carry the offense, averaging 25.6 PPG and 6.3 APG this season, but he’ll need support from RJ Barrett and Donte DiVincenzo to keep pace with a deep Celtics squad.

Injury Report

Celtics:
Out: Luke Kornet (ankle)
Probable: Kristaps Porzingis (knee soreness)

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

Betting Trends

• Against The Spread (ATS): Celtics: 40-32-2 ATS | Knicks: 35-36-3 ATS
• Over/Under: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 7 games
• Home/Road Splits: Knicks are 23-14 at home | Celtics are 21-16 on the road

Player Prop to Watch

Jayson Tatum – Points Total: 26.5
Tatum has gone over this number in 6 of his last 8 games and could have a favorable matchup against a bruised Knicks front line. With Randle out, the defensive focus on Tatum becomes more difficult for New York.

Jalen Brunson – Assists Total: 6.5
With the offense running through Brunson, his assist numbers have risen. He’s averaging 7.2 over his last five games, and the over could hold value if the Knicks can keep this competitive.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Celtics -3.5 → With the Knicks battling injuries and Boston playing with momentum, the Celtics should be able to cover even on the road.

Total: Under 218.5 → Defensive intensity rises in games between top Eastern Conference contenders, and with the Knicks’ scoring depth limited, the under looks promising.

Prop: Jayson Tatum Over 26.5 Points → Enters the game in rhythm and will look to exploit matchup advantages.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics 110, Knicks 102