Celtics vs Knicks Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 5/5/2025

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are set to clash in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup on Monday night, with the Celtics looking to continue their regular-season dominance after sweeping all four meetings against the Knicks.

While Jalen Brunson enters on a scoring tear (31.5 PPG in the first round), the Celtics' defensive versatility and 76% win probability according to betting models make Boston heavy 9-point favorites at TD Garden.

The Knicks will need to overcome Boston's stifling defense that held opponents to just 107.2 points per game during the regular season (2nd in NBA) if they hope to steal home court advantage from the well-rested Celtics squad.

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model brings together insights from top NBA experts.

Instead of searching through countless expert analyses online, you can rely on our predictions to capture the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing expert picks, data, and trends, while our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. These confidence levels are then averaged to generate an 'expert opinion' win probability—providing a data-driven reflection of the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NBA analysts.

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Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks preview

The Celtics, winners of all four regular season matchups against New York, look to maintain their dominance as they host the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at TD Garden.

Boston comes in well-rested after dispatching Orlando in five games, with Jayson Tatum showing no lingering effects from his wrist injury while averaging a dominant 31.3 points and 11.3 rebounds in the first round.

New York barely survived a scrappy Detroit team in six games, leaning heavily on Jalen Brunson's heroics as he poured in 31.5 points per contest while playing marathon minutes in Thibodeau's characteristically tight rotation.

The matchup presents serious challenges for the Knicks, as Boston's defensive versatility with White, Brown and Holiday gives them multiple elite defenders to throw at Brunson, while Towns will have his hands full with Horford and Porzingis.

Adding to New York's concerns is Boston's home dominance, where they've won 20 of their last 21 games when coming in with a rest advantage.

With the Celtics sweeping the regular season series by an average margin of 15.8 points in their first three victories before a narrow overtime win in April, the Knicks face a steep uphill battle to steal home court advantage.

Key stats

1

The Celtics sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a 61-21 record, making them one of the league's elite teams

2

The Knicks hold the 3rd position in the East with a 51-31 record, 10 games behind Boston

3

Boston has the NBA's best point differential at +747 (9534 scored, 8787 allowed)

4

Recent form suggests inconsistency: Boston is 3-2 in their last 5 (WWLWW) while New York is 2-3 (WLLLW)

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