New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Game 5 Prediction – 5/14/2025

With the New York Knicks leading the series 3-1, they have a prime opportunity to close out the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics tonight at TD Garden. The Knicks have won three of the first four games, and now aim to secure their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. The Celtics, facing elimination, must overcome the significant setback of losing Jayson Tatum to a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Game 5 Preview

The Knicks enter the game with momentum, having secured a 121–113 victory in Game 4. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 39 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby combined for 66 points. The Knicks outscored the Celtics 70–51 in the second half, showcasing their offensive prowess after yet another slow start.

Jayson Tatum's injury in Game 4, where he scored 42 points before exiting late in the fourth quarter, has left the Celtics without their leading scorer. Tatum underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the playoffs. His absence places additional pressure on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to fill the scoring void.

The Celtics' depth will be tested, with players like Payton Pritchard and Kristaps Porzingis needing to elevate their performances. Porzingis, who has been dealing with a prolonged illness, will be crucial in countering Towns' impact in the paint. The Celtics must also improve their defensive efforts to contain Brunson, who is averaging 28.0 points per game in this series.

Betting Insights

• Spread: Celtics -4.5
• Total Points: 208.5
• Moneyline: Celtics -175, Knicks +150

Despite trailing in the series and missing Tatum, the Celtics are favored by 4.5 points at home. The over/under is set at 208.5, reflecting expectations of a relatively low-scoring game. Bettors should consider the Knicks' recent offensive surge and the Celtics' challenges without their star player when evaluating these lines.

Player prop bets to watch include:

• Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 Points: Brunson has been a consistent scoring threat, and with the Celtics' defensive adjustments, he may find opportunities to exceed this mark.
• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 12.5 Rebounds: Towns has been dominant on the boards, and with the Celtics' frontcourt adjustments, he could surpass this total.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Game 5 Prediction

1. Knicks' Momentum: The Knicks have won three of the first four games, demonstrating their ability to execute under pressure and capitalize on the Celtics' vulnerabilities.
2. Celtics' Injuries: The loss of Jayson Tatum significantly hampers the Celtics' offensive capabilities. Without their leading scorer, the team must rely on secondary options to fill the gap.
3. Brunson's Performance: Jalen Brunson's recent scoring surge positions him as a key factor in the Knicks' offensive strategy. His ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities will be critical.
4. Rebounding Battle: Karl-Anthony Towns' presence in the paint gives the Knicks an advantage on the boards. Controlling the rebounding battle will limit the Celtics' second-chance points.
5. Defensive Adjustments: The Knicks' defensive schemes have effectively contained the Celtics' offense in previous games. Continued defensive pressure will be essential in securing a victory.

Considering these factors, the Knicks should be able to close out the series in Game 5. Their cohesive team play, combined with the Celtics' issues, suggests a favorable outcome for New York. Bettors might find value in backing the Knicks to cover the spread and potentially win outright, capitalizing on the huge opportunity in front of them.

Predicted Final Score: New York Knicks 105.55, Boston Celtics 103.87

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Win Probabilities

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