New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions May 16th 2025

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics May 16th 2025

At 8:00 ET, the Knicks (-141) will host the Celtics (+120) in a divisional matchup at Madison Square Garden. New York is currently favored by 2.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 210.

This game will be televised on ESPN, and both teams are ranked in the top three in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics (61-21) are second in the East, while the Knicks (51-31) are third.

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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: Friday, May 16th
• Betting Odds NY -2.5, BOS +120 | NY -141 O/U 210

The Celtics Can Win If…

Boston improved to 61-21 this season with a 127-102 win over the Knicks on Wednesday. The Celtics, favored by 5 points, covered the spread with the 25-point victory at home. The game’s total points of 229 exceeded the O/U line of 208 by 21 points.

Boston took control with an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 71-68 to 82-68. They outscored New York 32-17 in the 3rd quarter and 36-26 in the 4th, pulling away after leading 91-76 going into the final period.

The Celtics’ offense was firing on all cylinders in their 127-102 win over the Knicks, shooting 52.4% from the field and knocking down 22 threes at a 44.9% clip. Derrick White led the way with 34 points, hitting 7 threes at 53.8%, while Jaylen Brown added 26 points and 12 assists, connecting on 3 threes at 60%.

White was particularly effective in the 1st and 3rd quarters, scoring 14 points in the opening frame and another 13 in the 3rd. Payton Pritchard and Jrue Holiday both contributed 8 points in the 4th quarter, with Pritchard finishing with 5 made threes in the game.

Despite a slow start, the Celtics’ defense tightened up in the 3rd quarter, allowing just 17 points to help secure a 127-102 win over the Knicks. Boston held New York to 35% shooting from the field.

The Celtics gave up 12 threes on 40% shooting and sent the Knicks to the line 40 times, where they hit 32 free throws. Boston finished with 32 defensive rebounds, allowing 12 offensive boards, and added 12 blocks.

• Although Boston has a straight up record of 7-3 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 5-5. The team averaged 110 points per game in these games.
• As the betting underdog, the Celtics have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. Boston posted a straight up mark of 6-4 in these matchups.
• Over their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 2-2-1 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

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The Knicks Can Win If…

The Knicks fell to 51-31 on the season after a 127-102 road loss to the Celtics on Wednesday. New York entered the game as +5 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread, losing by 25 points. The total score of 229 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 208 by 21 points.

After a competitive start, the Knicks trailed 59-56 at halftime. However, Boston went on an 11-0 run, stretching the lead from 71-68 to 82-68. The Celtics then outscored New York 32-17 in the 3rd quarter and 36-26 in the 4th.

In their 127-102 loss to the Celtics, the Knicks struggled offensively, shooting just 35.8% from the field. They did connect on 40% of their threes, making 12 in total.

Josh Hart led the way with 24 points, hitting 5 threes at a 55.6% clip. Jalen Brunson added 22 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19, with 9 of his points coming in the 4th quarter.

The Knicks struggled defensively against the Celtics, giving up 127 points on 52% shooting. Boston scored at least 30 points in every quarter, including 36 in the 4th.

New York allowed 22 threes at a 44% clip. They also sent the Celtics to the line 26 times, where they made 17 free throws. The Knicks finished with 5 steals and 4 blocks.

• New York has played well in their previous five home games, going 4-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 102 points per game while allowing 105. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
• New York has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five games.
• In their last five games, the Knicks have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Knicks winning this one by a score of 128-111, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Knicks at -2.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 210, and our model projects the Celtics and Knicks to reach a combined total of 239 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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Alive and Well, Celtics Out to Even Series vs. Knicks in Game 6

The Boston Celtics refuse to fade. Instead, they’re leaning into adversity and rolling into Madison Square Garden for Game 6 with the momentum and the mindset of a team that’s far from finished.

Celtics Rally Without Tatum

After losing star Jayson Tatum to a devastating Achilles injury in Game 4, most expected the Celtics to wilt. What followed was anything but. Boston delivered a statement performance in Game 5 with a commanding 127-102 blowout win on their home floor.

“Obviously, unfortunate what happened to J.T., but we’ve still got basketball to be played. I believe in this group. Don’t count us out just yet.”
– Jaylen Brown

Boston improved to 10-2 without Tatum this season, including a perfect 2-0 mark in the playoffs. With the series at 3-2 in favor of New York, Friday night presents a chance for Boston to push it to a Game 7 back at TD Garden.

Knicks Need to Regroup Fast

The New York Knicks saw their opportunity to end the series slip away. Despite Tatum’s absence, New York struggled offensively in Game 5. Jalen Brunson scored 22 points but fouled out early in the fourth, and both OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges had forgettable nights shooting a combined 5-for-26.

“We’ve got to play desperate,”
– Mikal Bridges

The urgency is real for the Knicks, who know a Game 7 in Boston would be a tough hill to climb. New York must rediscover its efficiency and defensive edge, especially with Boston’s supporting cast clicking.

Brown and White Step Up, Kornet Surprises

Jaylen Brown led the charge with a near triple-double (26 points, 12 assists, 8 rebounds), while Derrick White erupted for 34 points on seven made threes. But perhaps the most unexpected spark came from Luke Kornet. Filling in for the ill Kristaps Porzingis, Kornet gave the Celtics a boost with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks—a career night when the Celtics needed it most.

“Our season’s on the line, so I’m just trying to have a lot of energy, make plays,”
– Luke Kornet

Boston’s depth and defensive discipline remain pivotal advantages, and their versatility has forced the Knicks to adapt on the fly.

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Key Betting Takeaways and Predictions

With Boston riding a wave of belief and New York struggling to capitalize, this matchup is ripe for drama and value. Bettors eyeing NBA Predictions and Picks should note the Celtics’ resilience and 10-2 record without Tatum. They’ve proven they’re still a threat—even without their biggest star.

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