New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups and depth charts for Game 1 (May 5) | 2025 NBA Playoffs

The New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics matchup is one of two NBA playoff games scheduled on Monday. This is Game 1 of the second-round series between the third seed Knicks and the second seed Celtics.

Throughout the rich history of the NBA playoffs, the Knicks-Celtics collision is the second most frequent matchup to occur. Their 2025 second-round series will be the 17th time that they meet in the playoffs; only the Celtics' rivalry with the series (22 postseason matchups) tops this number of playoff encounters.

NBA: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks - Source: Imagn

The Celtics, who finished the regular season with a 61-21 record, got their title retention bid started with a gentleman's sweep of the seventh seed Orlando Magic. In that series, Jayson Tatum led the defending champions in scoring (31.3 ppg) and rebounding (11.3 rpg), though he missed Game 2 with a wrist injury.

Meanwhile, the Knicks — who entered the postseason with a 51-31 record — took six games to eliminate the sixth seed Detroit Pistons. Jalen Brunson, who won Clutch Player of the Year as the series was taking place, was the Knicks' best first-round performer as he put up 31.5 points and 8.2 assists per outing.

In the regular season, the Celtics went 4-0 against the Knicks. Their clash on opening night ended up in a 132-109 blowout at TD Garden, while their most recent meeting was a close 119-117 affair at Madison Square Garden. The playoffs, of course, are a different story, and the Knicks-Celtics matchup on Monday will be the opening lines to the latest chapter in this longstanding rivalry.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Injury reports

Knicks injury report for Game 1

There are no players included in the Knicks' injury report for Game 1.

Cetlics injury report for Game 1

There are no players included in the Celtics' injury report for Game 1.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Starting lineups and depth chart

Knicks starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd unit	3rd unit
Jalen Brunson	Cameron Payne	Tyler Kolek
Mikal Bridges	Miles McBride	Delon Wright
Josh Hart	Landry Shamet	Pacome Dadiet
OG Anunoby	PJ Tucker	Precious Achiuwa
Karl-Anthony Towns	Mitchell Robinson	Ariel Hukporti

Celtics starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd unit	3rd unit
Jrue Holiday	Payton Pritchard	JD Davison
Derrick White	Torrey Craig	Baylor Scheierman
Jaylen Brown	Sam Hauser	Jordan Walsh
Jayson Tatum	Al Horford	Xavier Tillman Sr.
Kristaps Porzingis	Luke Kornet	Neemias Queta

Where and how to watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics?

The New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game 1 will tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday at TD Garden. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and truTV. Fans can also stream it live on NBA League Pass, Fubo TV, and Max.