Knicks vs. Celtics | NBA Analysis, Odds, & Best Bets (5/5)

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway and today we’re here to talk about Game 1 of this second round series between the Knicks and Celtics.

For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page, here. 

Knicks vs. Celtics | Game Information

Matchup Information

• Location: TD Garden; Boston, Massachusetts
• Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025
• Tipoff: 7:00 PM EST

(3) New York Knicks vs. (2) Boston Celtics | Regular Season Matchups

• Celtics (119) @ Knicks (117) – 4/08/25
• Knicks (105) @ Celtics – (118) – 2/23/25
• Celtics (131) @ Knicks (104) – 2/08/25
• Knicks(109) @ Celtics (132) – 10/22/24

Betting Odds

Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.

Knicks vs. Celtics | Game 1

No Love for the Enemy

It’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final, we’ve got the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. This is postseason basketball, two division rivals meeting in the playoffs for first time in over a decade.

The last time we got to see this rivalry play out in the postseason it was 2013, Jason Kidd was coming off the bench for New York and the Knicks walked away with a 4-2 series win. Carmelo Anthony averaged 29.2 PPG for the Knicks and this was the last year of the Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett era in Beantown. 

That summer the Celtics would trade their superstars for the eventual draft picks that landed both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. It’s been 12 years since the two teams met in the postseason and it’s finally time to reignite this fire.

Set the Tone

Each series comes with it’s own set of challenges, but when that series is against a division rival it can get that much tougher. The Celtics and Knicks have faced off 4-times this year, withe Celtics winning all 4-games. Tonight in Game 1, I can’t stress how important it is for each team to set the tone.

The Knicks enter tonight’s game needing to prove to the Celtics and to themselves, they belong. After a season in which the Knicks went 1-13 against the other top-6 teams in the league, they still finished 51-31; sitting top-5 amongst both conferences.

For the Celtics, the mandate is protect home court. In no world can you allow the Knicks to come in and steal Game 1 on your home floor. Boston’s been off since Tuesday, rested or rusty, you make the decision. With lingering injuries to both Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown, they stand to benefit the most from the additional time off.

It’s the postseason, the 2nd round has begun and we’re finally getting the Knicks/Celtics series we’ve so desperately wanted as NBA fans. Strap in, this ones going to be good.

Our Best Bets in Game 1 between the Knicks and Celtics

Josh Hart o10.5 Points (-120 via BetOnline)

Let’s kick if off with a weird one, Josh Hart to score 11 points. The game total for today sits at 212 points, a number the two teams have cleared in all 4 of their matchups this year. Through the first round, Hart averaged 11.8 PPG on shooting splits of 50/50/78 and he cleared this line in 4 of the 6 matchups with Detroit.

Tonight against Boston, I’m expecting more of the same. Going back and watching the film from the 4-matchups this year, it’s clear how the Celtics have decided to defend Hart; by just choosing to not defend him.

In the 4-matchups this year, Hart’s averaging 14.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 5.5 APG; he’s had 12+ points in all 4 matchups and he’s taking an average of 12.5 shot attempts per game. The 12.5 shot attempts is his 3rd highest volume against all teams he’s faced this year, behind only the Lakers and Pacers; both teams he played significantly more time against.

Boston’s defensive approach has more to do with stopping Jalen Brunson than it does with leaving Hart open. As we’ve seen all year, the Celtics have used Hart’s defender as a free safety for their defense, moving inside the paint and focusing on help defense over his individual matchup.

This has led to Hart’s increased volume in games against Boston, strictly due to the fact he’s getting open shots.

The Celtics’ focus has been to double Brunson, get the ball out of his hands and make the other guys beat them. Hart’s shot 11% from beyond the arc against the Celtics, so you could say it’s working. If the Knicks hope to steal Game 1, Hart’s going to have to make some shots.

Jaylen Brown o20.5 Points (-115 via BetOnline)

Jaylen Brown loves playing at TD Garden. This year he’s averaging 24.5 PPG at home on shooting splits of 49/37/78, but on the road these numbers drop to 19.4 PPG on shooting splits of 44/27/82. His 3-point percentage is what takes the biggest hit when on the road, dropping 10% when he leave the Garden.

Brown’s been dealing with a nagging knee issue and the 6 days off between games probably had the most profound impact on him. He needed a chance to get healthy and rested, especially after what was a physical battle with the Orlando Magic, and now he’s gotten just that.

JB’s cleared this line in 14 of his L20 home games, including 2 of the 3 home games he played in Round 1. The Knicks have gotten cooked by Jayson Tatum all season, with him averaging 33.5 PPG to go along with 7.0 APG and 6.9 RPG.

Tonight they’ll need to put a little emphasis on stopping that guy, which should be perfect for JB to have a big game.

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