Celtics vs. Knicks Game 6 Preview & Prediction (May 16, 2025)
The Knicks are back at home with a 3–2 lead, and they’ve got the weight of a 25-year drought hanging over their heads. They finally have a chance to move past the second round, but the Celtics just blew the doors off of Game 5 without their star player. Without Jayson Tatum, Boston still looked immaculate, and New York now has to answer in kind. Madison Square Garden will be loud, emotional, and full of anxious players and fans because there’s a lot at stake.
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
- Series Status: NYK leads 3-2
- Date & Time: Friday, May 16, at 8:00 pm ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Broadcast: ESPN
Prediction Breakdown
46.5%
53.5%
According to GamblingSite.com
Current Betting Odds
If you’re betting on the game, below are the latest betting odds posted on FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Celtics | +2.5 (-110) | +122 | Over 209.5 (-110) |
Knicks | -2.5 (-110) | -144 | Under 209.5 (-110) |
Injury Report
Who is playing and who is out for Game 6? Look below to see who’s injured and how it will affect the game:
| Team | Details |
|---|---|
Boston Celtics | – Jayson Tatum (Out – Achilles): Boston’s go-to scorer is officially done for the postseason after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 4. He had surgery earlier this week and won’t be back, no matter how far the Celtics get. |
New York Knicks | No reported injuries: As of now, the Knicks all have a clean bill of health and have their full rotation available, which gives them a much-needed advantage, especially because Boston is stretched thin due to Tatum out and Porziņģis being iffy. |
Team Trends & Insights
Each team has had its moments in this series, but Game 5 shook things up. Below is how things have been playing out, and what you should know heading into Game 6!
Boston Celtics
- Derrick White was the tone-setter in Game 5, dropping 34 points and looking right at home as the lead option.
- Jaylen Brown played one of his most complete games of the postseason, putting up 26 points and a career-high 12 assists without forcing the issue.
- Luke Kornet gave Boston everything they could’ve hoped for—scoring, rebounding, and protecting the rim in a breakout performance off the bench.
- The Celtics played like a team that wasn’t second-guessing anything, even without their star Tatum on the court.
New York Knicks
- They’ve been strong at MSG all year, and now they’re hoping that a little home energy helps them reset after a forgettable Game 5.
- Jalen Brunson’s been their anchor all postseason, but his shot wasn’t falling in the last game. He has to bounce back.
- Karl-Anthony Towns continues to put in work around the rim and on the glass, and he could see more touches if Boston clamps down on Brunson again.
- New York’s depth didn’t offer much support in the last outing, and they’ll need more than just two guys carrying the entire load in this game.
Main Matchups to Watch
Because there’s so much at stake, there are a few individual matchups that will likely carry more weight than the rest, like the following:
- Jaylen Brown is shouldering the load without Tatum, and how he holds up on both ends will really matter. He’s got to keep scoring, but he also can’t let Brunson get going.
- Jalen Brunson didn’t have his best night in Game 5, but he’s still the engine for New York’s offense. Expect him to be aggressive early on, especially if the Celtics stick with their blitz-heavy coverage.
- If Porziņģis plays, his time on the floor will likely be limited, but his presence could stretch Towns out of the paint, opening driving lanes for Boston’s guards.
- Karl-Anthony Towns will be relied on more heavily if Brunson draws double teams again. He’s been productive, but this is the kind of game where he has to make Boston pay.
Best Bets
- Under 209.5 Total Points (-110): Given the defensive adjustments and the high stakes, expect a tighter, lower-scoring game.
- Celtics +2.5 (-110): Boston’s momentum from Game 5 and their playoff experience make them a strong candidate to cover the spread.
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 20.5 Points (-105): With the Celtics focusing on Brunson, Towns may find more scoring opportunities.
Game 6 Takeaway: What to Expect at MSG
Final Score Prediction: Celtics 103 – Knicks 99
Boston will count on bench support and good decision-making to push this thing back to TD Garden for Game 7!
Game 6 lines are really tight, and with one team missing its star and the other playing at home, there’s plenty to think about bet-wise! Below are the three bets we think are worth looking at before tip-off:
- Under 209.5 Total Points (-110): Neither team plays fast, and both have had long periods this series where points were hard to come by. With defensive pressure turned up and nerves at work, it could land under again.
- Celtics +2.5 (-110): Boston’s riding high off that Game 5 performance, and even without Tatum, they’ve shown they can keep things close, or possibly steal it outright.
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 20.5 Points (-105): If Boston keeps sending help at Brunson, Towns is going to see more touches. He’s hit this number in three of his last five and has a favorable matchup inside.
