New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: Betting Odds and Playoff Predictions

On May 16, 2025, the New York knicks had another chance to close out their series against the boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. After a decisive Game 5 victory by the Celtics, even without Jayson Tatum, who was recovering from Achilles surgery, all eyes were on whether Jalen Brunson and the Knicks could regain their momentum.

The Stakes: Knicks Aim to Clinch,Celtics Fight to Survive

The winner of this high-stakes series will advance to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both teams face immense pressure; the Knicks to capitalize on their home-court advantage and the Celtics to extend their season despite key injuries.The intensity of playoff basketball at this stage makes every possession critical.

Derrick White’s Performance: A Closer Look at the Odds

One notable bet was derrick White under 30.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-105). Despite a 39 PRA performance in Game 5, White has historically stayed under this line in 77% of games this season, with an even higher 88% on the road.Notably, in games without Jayson Tatum, he has gone under in seven out of ten instances. The Knicks were expected to make defensive adjustments, potentially limiting White’s impact.

Karl-Anthony Towns: Expecting a rebound performance

karl-Anthony Towns was favored to exceed 32.5 points and rebounds (-115). Game 5 saw Towns struggle with only 19 points and 8 rebounds due to early foul trouble, ending his streak of six consecutive double-doubles. Though, in the preceding four games against the Celtics, towns averaged 19.8 PPG and 14.0 RPG (33.8 P+R). Analysts anticipated a bounce-back performance at home, free from foul trouble.

Jalen Brunson: Carrying the Knicks’ Hopes

Jalen Brunson over 36.5 points and assists (-115) was another popular bet. As the Knicks’ highest-paid player and recent Clutch Player of the Year, Brunson was expected to lead the team. Throughout the series, he averaged 39.0 minutes per game against the Celtics, exceeding this line in 78% of games where he played 39 or more minutes this season.

Jaylen Brown: Leading the Celtics’ Offense Amidst Challenges

Jaylen Brown over 32.5 points and assists (-115) was highlighted, especially with Tatum sidelined. In Game 5, Brown scored 26 points and provided 12 assists (38 P+A). He nearly achieved a triple-double.In the Celtics’ previous game without Tatum in the playoffs,against the Magic,brown scored 36 points with 5 assists (41 P+A). His ability to both score and facilitate makes him crucial for the Celtics,particularly in an elimination game.

Injury Report and Team Dynamics

The absence of Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury significantly impacted the Celtics, placing greater responsibility on Jaylen Brown. For the Knicks, Precious Achiuwa was noted as having an ankle issue, potentially affecting their rotation.

Game Prediction and Betting Odds

The betting line favored the Knicks at -2.5 (-115), with the Celtics as +2.5 underdogs (-105). The money line was Celtics +125 and Knicks -145. The over/under was set at 210.5 points. The Basketball Power Index (BPI) projected a Knicks win by 2.4 points, estimating a 58% chance of a straight-up victory and a total of 214.7 points scored.

Reader Engagement: Your thoughts?

What adjustments do you think the Knicks needed to make after Game 5 to secure the series win? How did Tatum’s absence reshape the Celtics’ strategy, and what impact did it have on their betting odds and overall performance in subsequent games?