Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Game 6 Pick – 5/16/2025

With the Boston Celtics staving off elimination in Game 5, the Eastern Conference Semifinals shift back to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 on Friday, May 16. The New York Knicks, holding a 3-2 series lead, aim to close out the series on their home court. Boston, despite the absence of Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury, showcased their depth in Game 5 and will look to force a decisive Game 7.

Celtics vs Knicks Game 6 Preview

Game 5 saw the Celtics deliver a commanding 127-102 victory, demonstrating their resilience and depth. Payton Pritchard stepped up with 17 points off the bench, while Jaylen Brown and Derrick White contributed significantly on both ends of the floor. The Celtics' three-point shooting was particularly effective, hitting 22 of 49 attempts, which played a crucial role in their win.

On the other hand, the Knicks struggled to match Boston's intensity. Josh Hart led New York with 24 points and 7 rebounds, but the team as a whole couldn't keep pace. The Knicks shot just 35.8% from the field as a team in that game and will need to be more efficient from the field in Game 6 if they want to avoid a return trip to Boston for Game 7.

Despite the setback, the Knicks are back at home for Game 6, where the Madison Square Garden crowd is expected to help them. Jalen Brunson has been a standout performer, averaging 29.4 points and 7.8 assists per game in the postseason. The Knicks will need a total team effort to defeat Boston, though, with players like Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby being incredibly important to their success tonight.

Betting Insights

• Spread: Knicks -2.5
• Moneyline: Knicks -140, Celtics +120
• Over/Under: 211.5

The Knicks have gone 23-22-1 against the spread at home on the season, including the playoffs. Boston, meanwhile, has a 22-22-1 record against the spread on the road. The over has hit in 52.2% of Knicks' home games and just 40% of Celtics away games.

Celtics vs Knicks Game 6 Prediction

Game 6 presents a critical opportunity for the Knicks to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics, however, have shown they can adapt and compete even without their star player. Boston's depth and three-point shooting prowess were on full display in Game 5, and they'll look to replicate that performance in New York.

The Knicks will need to tighten their perimeter defense to limit Boston's three-point opportunities. Offensively, they must capitalize on their strengths, with Brunson orchestrating the offense and Towns asserting himself in the paint. Role players like Mikal Bridges and Anunoby will also need to contribute significantly.

Given the stakes and the home-court advantage, the Knicks are favored to win. However, the Celtics' experience and depth make them a formidable opponent. Expect a closely contested game, with the outcome likely decided in the final minutes.

Predicted Final Score: Boston Celtics 106.45, New York Knicks 108.45

Celtics vs Knicks Game 6 Win Probabilities

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