Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 05/05/2025, 03:35  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 05/05/2025 at 03:39 in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will face off in Game 1 of the second-round NBA Playoff series on Monday night at TD Garden. The winner of this series between the Celtics and Knicks will face either the Cavaliers or the Pacers in the conference final. Let’s get into the match prediction.

The Boston Celtics made an impressive start to the Playoffs, beating the Orlando Magic in five games, which has given them almost a full week to rest and prepare for this assignment. 

Jayson Tatum was the standout performer for the C’s in the first round, averaging 31.3 points per game, while Jaylen Brown was an injury concern but still managed to play all five matches.

Notably, given the Magic’s solid defence, Boston attempted 17 fewer threes per game in the first round, but we’re expecting their long-range numbers to increase significantly in this round. 

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are coming into this round off the back of a gruelling first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, where they were pushed to six games. 

The Knicks have been led by Jalen Brunson, who averaged 31.5 PPG and also drained a game-winning three-pointer in Game 6 against Detroit. Karl-Anthony Towns is adding around 20 points and 10 rebounds per game so far.

New York lost three of their four games against the Celtics this season by double-digits before a 119–177 O/T loss in their final game last month. However, they will be encouraged by having won all three away games against the Pistons in the last round.