New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Betting Pick & Prediction 5/5/25
The Celtics are currently on a two-game win streak and are favored by 9 points against the Knicks. The over/under line is set at 212.5 points. The Knicks are 51-31 and are 3rd in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are 61-21 and are 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
This division matchup will be played at TD Garden in Boston. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 ET and the game will be televised on TNT.
NEW YORK KNICKS VS BOSTON CELTICS BETTING PICK
The Pick: New York Knicks +9
This game will be played at TD Garden at 7:00 ET on Monday, May 5th.
WHY BET THE NEW YORK KNICKS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 138-134 in favor of the Celtics.
- Our projections have Jayson Tatum finishing with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
- From the field, we have the Celtics finishing with a field goal percentage of 46.7% and knocking down 21 threes.
Can the Knicks Pull Off a Win at Boston?
The Knicks improved to 51-31 this season with a 116-113 win over the Pistons on Thursday. New York, who entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs, covered the spread with the victory. The total score of 229 points exceeded the O/U line of 213.5 by 15.5 points.
New York took control early with an 11-0 run, turning a 12-8 deficit into a 19-12 lead. They dominated the 1st and 3rd quarters, outscoring Detroit 37-23 and 37-24, respectively. Despite entering the 4th quarter with a 96-85 lead, the Knicks were outscored 28-20 in the final period but held on for the win.
Jalen Brunson’s 40-point performance, including 15 in the first quarter, led the Knicks to a 116-113 win over the Pistons. He added 7 assists and hit 3 threes at 30% shooting. Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points, with 11 coming in the 3rd quarter, shooting 68.8% from the field.
OG Anunoby added 22 points, making 4 threes at 40%. The Knicks shot 47.7% overall, but struggled from deep, hitting just 33.3% with 10 made threes. Brunson also scored 10 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.
The Knicks had a tough 2nd quarter, giving up 38 points, but they tightened up in the 1st and 3rd, allowing just 23 and 24 points, respectively. Overall, they allowed 113 points on 46% shooting from the Pistons.
New York did a great job defending the three, holding Detroit to 26% shooting with only 9 made threes. The Knicks also grabbed 30 defensive rebounds, gave up 6 offensive boards, and recorded 6 steals.
Will the Celtics Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?
Boston improved to 61-21 on the season with a dominant 120-89 win over the Magic on Tuesday. Playing at home, the Celtics were favored by 11.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total points of 209 exceeded the pre-game line of 199.5 by 9.5 points.
After trailing 27-23 at the end of the 1st quarter, Boston took control, outscoring Orlando 24-22 in the 2nd quarter. They then blew the game open with a 36-13 3rd quarter, including a 13-0 run that stretched the score from 76-62 to 89-62. Boston finished strong, outscoring the Magic 37-27 in the 4th quarter.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a 120-89 victory over the Magic, scoring 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting 62.5% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 80%. Jaylen Brown added 23 points, while Sam Hauser contributed 10 points, making all his shots, including 2 threes.
Boston shot 56.6% from the field, with a 54.2% success rate from beyond the arc, making 13 threes. Tatum scored 13 points in the 3rd quarter, adding 10 in the 1st, while Brown added 9 points in the 3rd.
The Celtics put on a defensive clinic against the Magic, holding them to just 89 points on 37% shooting. Boston was especially tough in the 3rd quarter, where they allowed only 13 points. They also limited Orlando’s three-point shooting, giving up just 8 threes on 21% shooting from beyond the arc.
Boston sent the Magic to the line 22 times, where they made 15 free throws. The Celtics grabbed 35 defensive rebounds but allowed 15 offensive boards. They also recorded 5 steals and 3 blocks in the game.