The intense rivalry between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks has been rekindled in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. The series opened with a dramatic Game 1 on Monday night, where the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to secure a 108-105 overtime victory in Boston, thereby seizing home-court advantage from the defending champions.
Boston struggled significantly with their shooting in the Game 1 loss, setting an NBA record for most missed three-pointers with 45 (making only 15 out of 60 attempts). Despite this poor performance, the Celtics are still widely considered the favorites to win the series. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night.
This marks the first time these two teams have met in the playoffs since 2013. In the first round, the reigning NBA champion Celtics advanced past the Orlando Magic in five games, while the Knicks had a more challenging series, eliminating the Detroit Pistons in six games.
Both teams feature All-NBA caliber players leading the way. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum averaged 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in their first-round series against the Magic. For the Knicks, guard Jalen Brunson was equally impressive against the Pistons, averaging 31.5 points and 8.2 assists per contest.
Celtics vs. Knicks Schedule and Scores
All times Eastern
Game 1: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT) — New York leads 1-0
Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 7 p.m., TNT/Max
Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
Game 4: Monday, May 12 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 16 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 19 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD
Celtics vs. Knicks Odds
Odds via DraftKings
Series odds: Celtics -300, Knicks +250
Game 1 odds: Celtics -9.5, O/U 211
Celtics vs. Knicks Game 2 Pick
Information on the Game 2 pick is expected soon.
Jasper Hawthorne