New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions May 12th 2025

At 7:30 ET, the Knicks (+209) will host the Celtics (-251) in a divisional matchup. The Celtics are currently favored by 6 points and have a record of 61-21. The Knicks are 3rd in the East and have a record of 51-31. The over/under line is currently set at 208.5.

This game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York and can be seen on ESPN.

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Celtics vs. Knicks Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
• Where: New York at Madison Square Garden
• Date: Monday, May 12th
• Betting Odds BOS -6, BOS -251 | NY +209 O/U 208.5

The Celtics Can Win If…

Boston improved to 61-21 this season with a 115-93 win over the Knicks on Saturday. The Celtics, who were -6 point favorites, covered the spread with the win. The game’s total points of 208 fell just short of the 209.5 O/U line.

Boston took control early, leading 36-20 after the 1st quarter and 71-46 at halftime. They extended their lead to 96-70 by the end of the 3rd quarter, allowing them to cruise through the 4th quarter, where they were outscored 23-19.

The Celtics connected on 20 three-pointers at a 50% clip in their win over the Knicks, with an overall field goal percentage of 48.2%. Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum each hit 5 threes, with Pritchard leading the team with 23 points and Tatum adding 22.

Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points, scoring 10 in the 2nd quarter, while Derrick White added 17, including 8 in the 3rd. Pritchard was consistent throughout, scoring 7 points in the 1st quarter and 6 in the 2nd.

The Celtics put on a defensive clinic against the Knicks, holding them to just 93 points on Saturday. Boston was consistent throughout, allowing 20 points in the 1st quarter, 26 in the 2nd, 24 in the 3rd, and 23 in the 4th. The Celtics limited the Knicks to 40% shooting from the field.

Boston’s defense was particularly effective from beyond the arc, where they held New York to just 5 made threes on 20% shooting. The Celtics also contributed 6 steals and 8 blocks in the game.

• Across the Celtics last five road games, the team averaged 102 points per game while allowing 99. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-3, while going 3-2 straight-up.
• The last ten games that Boston was favored, they have an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 7-3 straight up.
• Over their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 2-2-1 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

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The Knicks Can Win If…

The Knicks fell to 51-31 on the season after a 115-93 home loss to the Celtics on Saturday. New York entered the game as +6 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 208, just under the 209.5 O/U line.

Boston took control early, leading 36-20 after the 1st quarter and 71-46 at halftime. The Knicks were down 96-70 going into the 4th, where they outscored the Celtics 23-19, but it was too late to mount a comeback.

The Knicks struggled offensively in their 115-93 loss to the Celtics, shooting just 40% from the field and connecting on only 5 three-pointers at a 20% clip. Jalen Brunson led the way with 27 points and 7 assists, hitting 3 threes at 37.5% efficiency.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 15 rebounds, despite shooting just 27.8% from the floor. Mikal Bridges chipped in 12 points, shooting 60% from the field.

The Knicks struggled defensively in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up 71 points, but they tightened up in the 2nd half, allowing just 44 points. However, the damage was done, and they couldn’t overcome the early deficit in their 115-93 loss to the Celtics.

New York had trouble defending the three-point line, where Boston hit 20 threes at a 50% clip. The Knicks sent the Celtics to the line 17 times, where they made 15 free throws. Defensively, the Knicks recorded 3 steals and 2 blocks.

• Across their last five home contests, New York has been good against the spread posting a mark of 5-0. Their overall mark in these games was 5-0, while averaging 105 points per game.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, New York has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 5-5 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Knicks have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Celtics is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 138-130. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Celtics at -6.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 208.5 and our model has the Celtics and Knicks finishing with a combined 268 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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Celtics Confident Heading Into Game 4 Against Knicks After Dominant Response

Down 0-2 and facing growing scrutiny, the Boston Celtics silenced the doubters with a resounding Game 3 win over the New York Knicks. Now, as the series continues Monday night at Madison Square Garden, the Celtics look to even things up—and prove their championship mettle is still very much intact.

Boston Bounces Back With Statement Win

After blowing 20-point leads in both Games 1 and 2 and losing twice at home, the Celtics entered Game 3 under immense pressure. But instead of folding, they responded in emphatic fashion. Boston led by as many as 31 points and cruised to a 115-93 victory, rediscovering their 3-point stroke and shutting down New York’s momentum.

“You’ve got to beat us four times… Not twice, not once, not three.”
— Jaylen Brown, Celtics Guard

The Celtics, who had shot a combined 25-for-100 from deep in the first two games, went 20-for-40 from beyond the arc in Game 3. Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard each knocked down five triples, with Pritchard pouring in 23 points off the bench in a breakout performance.

“Who cares what the outside world is saying… If you believe in your shot and you’re able to hit it, then take it confidently.”
— Payton Pritchard, Celtics Guard

Boston’s renewed shooting and defensive intensity make them a serious bounce-back candidate for anyone exploring NBA playoff predictions for Game 4.

Knicks Try to Regroup After Flat Showing

New York looked flat from the opening tip in Game 3, never holding a lead and trailing 71-46 at halftime. While Jalen Brunson led the team with 27 points, he admitted the Knicks may have been too comfortable after their 2-0 start.

“I don’t think we came with the mindset of being satisfied, but… just subconsciously satisfied being up 2-0.”
— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Guard

Head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the need to reestablish focus, noting the Celtics would come with “force” and warning that New York must match that energy for a full 48 minutes.

“You have to earn your wins… We’ve got to play a strong 48 minutes of basketball.”
— Tom Thibodeau, Knicks Head Coach

Josh Hart echoed those sentiments, urging the team to remain steady emotionally while making the necessary adjustments.

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Game 4: The Turning Point?

With Boston back in form and the Knicks trying to protect their regained home-court advantage, Game 4 is pivotal. A win for the Celtics shifts momentum and resets the series heading back to Boston. A Knicks victory puts them firmly in control.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 21 points and 15 rebounds in Game 3, is expected to play despite injuring his left hand. Boston, meanwhile, listed Sam Hauser as questionable but is otherwise healthy.

“We’re on a path of trying to go after greatness… There’s nothing to dictate the test that’s in front of you.”
— Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Head Coach