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

Prediction published on 10/05/2025, 02:26  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 10/05/2025 at 03:06 in NBA Predictions

The second-round NBA series between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics shifts to Madison Square Garden on Saturday night for Game 3. The Knicks stunned the Celtics at home and lead the series 2-0. Let’s get into the match prediction. 

The New York Knicks have defied the odds in this series so far by pulling off back-to-back comebacks in Boston, with the most recent match ending 91-90 on Wednesday night. 

However, there is a case to be made that their lead is largely attributable to the C’s poor shooting rather than New York playing out their skin. In midweek, the Knicks shot just 29% from range, had five fewer free throws and were outrebounded.

Jalen Brunson scored 17 points in Game 2 but was excellent in the fourth quarter, while Josh Hart had arguably his best game of the postseason with 23 points. 

Meanwhile, there is no denying that the Celtics struggled mightily from beyond the arc in the first two games. During the regular season, the C’s averaged almost 50% from long range, but they made just 25% of three-point attempts in Games 1 and 2. 

Jayson Tatum has not looked like himself, averaging a 28.6% FG conversion in this series, and Boston’s defence has gone almost non-existent at times in the last two games in the second half. 

Kristaps Porzingis’s absence has been felt by the champs, and unless they can find major improvements, they could be staring at a 3-0 deficit by the end of this match.