Knicks vs. Celtics Game 1 Predictions (May 5, 2025)
The Celtics and Knicks are running it back in the playoffs, and it’s been a long time coming.
It marks the 16th postseason meeting between two of the most recognizable franchises in all of basketball. The last time they met? It was the playoffs in 2013, and a lot had changed since then. Boston’s chasing another title, and New York wants to show everyone that they’re not a first-round team anymore. Game 1 will be an epic matchup no matter what happens.
Game Details
The Garden’s gonna get loud, but it’s not the one in New York! Here’s where and when Game 1 goes down:
- Date & Time: Monday, May 5, at 7:00 pm ET
- Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Broadcast: TNT, truTV, and Max
- Betting Odds: Celtics are favored by 8.5 points; the Over/Under is set at 213 points on FanDuel
Team Overviews
Both teams have more than earned their spot, but they took really different roads to get this far. The Knicks ground out a tough series against Detroit and got through with less trouble (and fewer bruises).
New York Knicks
The Knicks advanced after a physical, grind-it-out series with Detroit, winning in six games (4-2). It wasn’t pretty, but they made the clutch plays when it mattered, and now they’re headed into a tougher matchup against the defending champs.
- Jalen Brunson: Averaged 31.5 points and 8.2 assists in the first round. He’s been the Knicks’ anchor. He’s calm under pressure, amazing in late-game situations, and the engine powering both ends.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: He had stretches where he looked like a nightmare to be up against, but he also disappeared for long chunks. If the Knicks want to push Boston? He’s gonna need to bring it for all four quarters.
- Mikal Bridges: His main job? To stay glued to Tatum and Brown, which is an unenviable task. Bridges won’t get much done on offense, but his ability to make life harder for Boston’s scorers could change the series.
Boston Celtics
Boston breezed past Orlando in five games, handling business the way you expect defending champions to do. They didn’t rush it and didn’t get spooked. They just played how they play and took over when it was necessary.
- Jayson Tatum: Dropped 31.3 points per game in the first round and looked totally in control. He’s lethal in the pick-and-roll and has been the backbone of Boston’s offense.
- Jaylen Brown: He brings a combo of shot creation, physical defense, and hustle plays. He doesn’t always get his flowers, but he’s critical to how the team operates on both sides.
- Jrue Holiday: Still questionable with a hamstring issue. If he’s good to go? He’ll probably spend a lot of time hounding Brunson, which could be the perimeter defense that could change the game.
Key Matchups to Watch
We have some interesting matchups that could tilt Game 1 in one direction or the other.
- Brunson vs. Celtics’ Backcourt: If Holiday plays, Brunson’s going to have to work for every single look. But even without Jrue? Boston has length and IQ across the board on defense. Brunson’s ability to handle the pressure will be a huge factor.
- Towns vs. Porzingis: Both stretch the floor, both can put the ball on the deck, and both have a tendency to drift. If Towns can stay locked in and take advantage of Porzingis in the paint, it’ll give New York a way to make some easy points.
- Perimeter Shooting: Boston relies hard on the three-ball. If the Knicks let them get comfortable from deep, it’s lights out. But if Bridges and Co. can run shooters off the line, it evens things out.
Statistical Insights
The numbers from the regular season don’t paint a particularly pretty picture for the Knicks. The Celtics swept the Knicks 4-0, with an average margin of victory of 16.25 points.
Scoring Averages
- Celtics: 116.3 PPG
- Knicks: 115.8 PPG
Defensive Rankings
- Celtics: 2nd in points allowed per game (107.2)
- Knicks: 9th in points allowed per game (111.7)
Injury Report
There’s nothing new on the Knicks’ side, but Boston’s backcourt might be in flux.
- Celtics: Jrue Holiday (hamstring): Day-to-day
- Knicks: No notable injuries have been reported
Betting Insights
Game 1 def has a few numbers that are worth your attention before the teams hit the court. Here are the current odds on FanDuel:
- Point Spread: Celtics -8.5
- Over/Under: 213 points
- Moneyline: Celtics -375; Knicks +295
Boston’s been excellent at home, but the Knicks have covered in some tough spots lately. The total is right on the edge for two teams that have good offenses and solid defenses.
Best Bets
Here’s what we think looks appealing going into Game 1:
- Over 213 Total Points: Both teams can fill it up when the pace picks up, and if Brunson and Tatum hit their strides early, the number may not be enough.
- Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 Points: He’s been locked in offensively all postseason and will have the ball in his hands constantly, especially late in the close games.
- Celtics to Cover -8.5: If Holiday plays and Boston’s defense clicks early on, they have the depth to wear the Knicks down by the fourth quarter.
Final Thoughts
As of now, Boston is walking onto the floor with the advantage. They have home court, championship experience, and the most consistent roster in the East. But New York has found something with Jalen Brunson front and center. If Towns shows up and the defense holds, they can turn this into a fight.
Game 1 won’t decide the series, but it’ll tell us a lot about how both teams are going to handle the matchup. Both squads really want it, but only one is walking out of the TD Garden with the first win.
Placing bets on this series? Be sure to use one of the top recommended betting sites to do it.
