New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction and Betting Tips for Game 1 (May 5)

The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks on Monday to kick off their Eastern Conference semifinal series in the 2025 NBA playoffs. Boston previously swept New York 4-0 in their regular-season series.

The second-seeded Celtics booked their spot in the second round of the playoffs after eliminating the Orlando Magic in the first round with a gentleman's sweep on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the third-seed Knicks took down the Detroit Pistons in six games on Thursday to advance to the second round.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics game details and odds

Game 1 of the Knicks-Celtics conference semifinals series is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. EDT on Monday at TD Garden in Boston.

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The game will be televised nationally on TNT, truTV and MAX. Fans can also stream it live on FuboTV or via NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Knicks (+320) vs. Celtics (-380)

Spread: Knicks (+9.5) vs. Celtics (-9.5)

Total (O/U): -110 (o212.5) / -110 (u212.5)

Note: The odds could change before tipoff.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Preview

The upcoming series will be the first time since 2013 that the Celtics and the Knicks have met in the playoffs.

While neither team has any player listed on their injury report for the contest, both teams have players who are banged up from their intense and physical first-round battles.

The Celtics had Jrue Holiday dealing with a sore hamstring, Jayson Tatum with a sore wrist, and Jaylen Brown with a bone bruise and right knee posterior impingement issue. Meanwhile, the Knicks had Jalen Brunson dealing with a sore ankle and Josh Hart had a wrist issue.

Both teams had under a week to rest and recoup ahead of the second round.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Predicted Starting Lineups

Knicks

PG - Jalen Brunson | SG - Mikal Bridges | SF - Josh Hart | PF - OG Anunoby | C - Karl-Anthony Towns

Celtics

PG - Derrick White | SG - Jrue Holiday | SF - Jaylen Green | PF - Jayson Tatum | C - Kristaps Porzingis

Note: The starting lineups could still change ahead of tipoff.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Betting Tips

Josh Hart is expected to log over 4.5 assists in the contest. He crossed the mark in nine of his last 10 outings and recorded nine and seven assists against Boston in their last two meetings.

Jayson Tatum, meanwhile, could record over 32.5 points + assists. He recorded over the line in his previous three outings, and also crossed the mark in all four encounters against the Knicks in the regular season.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction

The Celtics are expected to set the tone for the series with a convincing Game 1 victory at home on Monday.

About the author

Mathews Kannanthara is a journalist and a basketball enthusiast who specializes in the NBA and WNBA at Sportskeeda. While his educational background lies in architecture, his passion for basketball has been nurtured through years of playing as captain for school and college teams, winning various tournaments along the way.

As a fan of the Golden State Warriors, Mathews is drawn to the leadership and the 'I can do all things' approach of 'Chef Curry.' He also holds fond memories of Kobe Bryant's legendary 60-point farewell game.

Mathews strives to deliver top-notch content by understanding his readers' preferences and conducting thorough research. Beyond basketball, Mathews puts his energy into music, showcasing his talent as a drummer.

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Edited by Rajdeep Barman

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction and Betting Tips for Game 1 (May 5) | 2025 NBA Playoffs