The intense rivalry between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks has reignited in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. The Knicks are now just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, a feat they haven`t accomplished since 2000. New York currently holds a 3-2 lead in the series. However, the Celtics are determined to mount a comeback and force a decisive Game 7, despite playing without their star player, Jayson Tatum, who recently underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. Boston managed to keep their postseason hopes alive with a crucial victory in Game 5 on Wednesday, but New York holds the home-court advantage and is favored to win Game 6 this Friday at Madison Square Garden.
In their Game 5 win in Boston, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown were key contributors for the Celtics, scoring a combined 60 points. While the Knicks demonstrated impressive resilience with two significant road comebacks earlier in the series, they struggled somewhat in their recent visit to TD Garden. Jalen Brunson had a relatively quiet performance in Game 5, finishing with 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting before fouling out.
This playoff series marks the first time these historic franchises have met in the postseason since 2013. In the first round, the defending NBA champions, the Celtics, efficiently handled the Orlando Magic, defeating them in five games. The Knicks faced a slightly tougher challenge, eliminating the Detroit Pistons in a six-game series.
The winner of this highly contested series will advance to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The team that prevails, whether it`s the Knicks or the Celtics, will host Game 1 of the ECF set for Wednesday night.
Celtics vs. Knicks Series Schedule and Results
- Game 1: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT)
- Game 2: Knicks 91, Celtics 90
- Game 3: Celtics 115, Knicks 93
- Game 4: Knicks 121, Celtics 113
- Game 5: Celtics 127, Knicks 102 — New York leads 3-2
- Game 6: Friday, May 16 | Knicks vs. Celtics | 8 p.m. ET
- *Game 7: Monday, May 19 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 8 p.m. ET (If necessary)
Latest Odds: Celtics vs. Knicks
Series odds: Knicks -275, Celtics +225
Game 6 odds: Knicks -2.5, O/U 211.5
Game 6 Betting Pick
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla indicated that Kristaps Porziņģis experienced difficulty breathing after being removed from Game 5, raising questions about his status. If Porziņģis is limited or out, the Celtics will need increased production from their other big men. Luke Kornet stepped up significantly in Game 5, nearly achieving a triple-double and recording seven blocks. While block numbers can fluctuate, Kornet`s potential contribution in points and rebounds is notable. Given the high stakes of an elimination game, which often leads to more contested shots and potential misses, focusing on rebounding feels like a sensible approach. Prediction: Luke Kornet Over 6.5 Rebounds.
Jasper Hawthorne