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- What: NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs Game 5
- When: May 14, 2025
- Who: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
- Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
- Where: TD Garden (Boston, MA)
The New York Knicks will face off against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals.
In the previous game, the Knicks secured a 3-1 series lead by defeating the Celtics 121-113 as 6.5-point underdogs.
Unfortunately, Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury with just three minutes left in the game. He will be out for the remainder of the postseason.
The victorious team in this series will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to compete against the Pacers.
Before we examine our picks, check out the best NBA Basketball Betting Sites.
The New York Knicks began this second-round series as huge underdogs to defeat the second-seeded Boston Celtics. As they head into Wednesday’s game five, the Knicks have shifted to a -525 favorite due to their 3-1 series lead.
New York clinched victories in both of the initial road games (108-105 in overtime and 91-90) and secured game four with a score of 121-113. They only need one more win to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana.
Their title odds have also improved to +500, marking a chance for their first championship since 1973.
Game Preview (Knicks vs. Celtics)
In Monday’s 121-113 triumph at home over the Celtics, the Knicks showcased their resilience by overcoming a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.
| Spread |  |  |  |
| New York Knicks +4.5 Points | -107 | -110 | -110 |
| Boston Celtics -4.5 Points | -113 | -110 | -110 |
Jalen Brunson was outstanding, delivering a double-double with 39 points and a team-high 12 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Conversely, the Boston Celtics have experienced significant collapses, losing leads of 20, 20, and 14 points during this series, severely diminishing their hopes of repeating as NBA champions.
Boston entered the series as tremendous favorites, and their situation worsened further with the loss of star forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a torn left Achilles in game four and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/TTXziFtMQB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 13, 2025
It’s also important to note that the Celtics’ sole victory in the series came in game three, where they won 115-93 in New York.
Jayson Tatum was the standout performer in Monday’s game four defeat, scoring 42 points before leaving the game with an injury in the fourth quarter. Derrick White contributed with 23 points, shooting 50% from the field (6-12).
The Celtics outperformed the Knicks in three-point shooting (37.5% to 35.3%) and tied in turnovers, with both teams committing 12. However, the Knicks dominated in field goal percentage (54.3% to 48.1%) and out-rebounded the Celtics (43 to 31).
I might be a bit optimistic, but I’m backing the Celtics to win game five and cover the spread at home. Despite losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury, this roster is still loaded with talent.
I’m going to take the Celtics to cover this 4.5 point spread and force a Game 6 in this series even without Tatum.
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Total Points
At home this season, Boston ranks 10th in effective field goal rate (56.0%), and I believe they have enough firepower to build a sizeable lead.
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 207.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 207.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
They’re arguably the deepest team in the league, as highlighted by Payton Pritchard, who won Sixth Man of the Year.
Their defensive prowess is also top-notch, ranking among the league’s best, and they will need to lean heavily on that in game five. With the home crowd behind them, this presents a good buy-low opportunity for the Celtics.
leveled 🆙 in the fourth quarter pic.twitter.com/BVQIq1kqvF
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 13, 2025
As I mentioned earlier, the Celtics will have to depend on their defense. Fortunately, they rank as the fourth-best defensive team in the NBA, allowing just 108.0 points per 100 possessions.
They’re accustomed to a slower pace, and I expect them to adopt a methodical approach to limit the number of possessions.
During the regular season, Boston had the slowest pace in the league with 98.3 possessions per game, while New York ranked 26th at 99.3. Get ready for a slow-paced, defensive battle in game five.
Under 207.5 points is the best play in this one.
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