The New York Knicks will host the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The game is set to start at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on ABC. This is the third game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the NBA Playoffs.
The Boston Celtics have had a tough start in this series. They lost both of their home games against the Knicks. In Game 2, the Celtics fell short by just one point, with a final score of 91-90. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown both scored 20 points in that game. In Game 1, the Celtics lost 108-105, despite Jayson Tatum’s 23 points and 16 rebounds.
The New York Knicks are leading the series 2-0. They won both games on the road against the Celtics. In Game 2, Josh Hart led the team with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 17 rebounds. In Game 1, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 29 points to help secure the win. The Knicks will look to continue their strong performance at home.
Knicks Preview
The New York Knicks are in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They have a postseason record of 6-2. Their away record is strong at 5-0, but their home record is 1-2. The team is led by Head Coach Tom Thibodeau.
In the regular season, the Knicks had a record of 51-31. They ranked 3rd in the Eastern Conference. At home, they went 27-14. Their away record was 24-17. The team has been consistent in their last 10 games with a 6-2 record.
Jalen Brunson is a key player for the Knicks. In the postseason, he averages 29.4 points per game. He also contributes 7.6 assists per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is another important player, averaging 19.1 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.
The Knicks’ defense is strong. They allow 104.4 points per game, ranking 5th in the league. They have a field goal percentage allowed of 42.4%, which is 2nd best. Their three-point defense is top-ranked, allowing only 29.9% shooting from beyond the arc.
Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics are in the middle of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They have a postseason record of 4-3. Their home record stands at 3-2, showing they have been strong at home during the playoffs.
In recent games, the Celtics faced the New York Knicks. They lost Game 2 by one point with a score of 90-91. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown both scored 20 points in this game.
Jayson Tatum is a key player for the Celtics. In the postseason, he averages 26.8 points per game. He also leads the team in rebounds with an average of 12.5 per game.
The Celtics have strong defensive stats. They allow only 95.3 points per game, which is the best in the league. Their defense also limits opponents to a 42.4% field goal percentage.
Statistical Breakdown for Knicks vs Celtics
The game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics will be shaped by their defensive strengths. Both teams rank high in points allowed per game, with the Celtics at 95.3 and the Knicks at 104.4. The Knicks’ three-point defense is top-ranked, matching the Celtics’ ability to limit opponents’ three-point shooting. The Celtics have the best overall defense in the league, which could be a key factor.
- Knicks Points Per Game: 105.9 (12th)
- Celtics Points Per Game: 103.9 (16th)
- Knicks Points Per Game Allowed: 104.4 (5th)
- Celtics Points Per Game Allowed: 95.3 (1st)
- Knicks Three Point Percentage: 36.9 (8th)
- Celtics Three Point Percentage: 32.8 (15th)
- Knicks Field Goal Percentage Allowed: 42.4% (2nd)
- Celtics Field Goal Percentage Allowed: 42.4% (2nd)
- Knicks Rebounds Per Game: 41.9 (13th)
- Celtics Rebounds Per Game: 45.9 (4th)
Betting Insights
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are set to meet in a game that offers intriguing betting angles. The Celtics have struggled against the spread (ATS) in the postseason, while the Knicks have performed well, especially on the road. Both teams have shown different trends in their Over/Under results, adding another layer to consider for bettors. Below are the top five betting trends to keep in mind for this game.
- The Knicks are 5-0 ATS on the road in the 2025 postseason.
- The Celtics have a 2-game ATS losing streak in the 2025 postseason.
- The Knicks have a 3-game ATS winning streak in the 2025 postseason.
- The Celtics have gone under the total in their last game, continuing a 1-game under streak.
- The Knicks have gone under the total in their last game, also on a 1-game under streak.
Free Betting Prediction for Knicks vs Celtics
The game between the Knicks and Celtics will likely be a defensive battle. Both teams have strong defensive stats, and this could keep the score low. The Knicks’ ability to defend the three-point line may challenge the Celtics’ shooters.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will be key for the Knicks. Their scoring and playmaking can help the team stay competitive. On the other side, Jayson Tatum’s performance will be crucial for the Celtics, especially in rebounding.
Considering the Knicks’ strong road performance and the Celtics’ recent ATS struggles, this game could be closer than expected. The Knicks might cover the spread, but the Celtics could still win the game. The total points may stay under due to both teams’ defensive strengths.
- Our Free Prediction: Knicks +6.0
