Knicks vs. Celtics | NBA Analysis, Odds, & Best Bets (5/7)

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway and today we’re here to talk about Game 2 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 Recap

Final Score: Knicks (108) – Celtics (105)

As a fan of the Celtics, writing this pains me; regardless, we must push through. Early in Game 1, it looked like the Celtics and Knicks didn’t even belong on the same floor. The Celtics came out firing, scoring 61 points in the first half and took a 15-point lead into the halftime.

The 3rd quarter started the exact same way, with the Celtics jumping out to a 20-point lead with 6-minutes left in the third. After that, it gets a little blurry for me but the consensus seems to be the Celtics shot too many 3s. Boston shot 15/60 (25%) from beyond the arc in Game 1 and took just 7 shots from inside the arc in that second half.

The Knicks got 29 each from both Og Anunoby and Jalen Brunson in the series opener, with Karl-Anthony Towns finding himself in early foul trouble. For the Celtics it was Jaylen and Jayson both leading the team with 23 points each, with the two combining to shoot 33% from the field. Porzingis once again left the game early and Sam Hauser was seen in a walking boot after the game.

Live by the 3, Die by the 3

Mazzulla Ball. People go back and forth on Celtics’ Head Coach, Joe Mazzulla. Some think his offensive style results in too many 3s and it’s unsustainable. Others (myself) would point out the fact that this Mazzulla offense has lead to a top-4 offensive rating for three straight seasons.

I’d also point to the fact this Celtics’ offense just set the record for most 3s made by a team in a single season with 1,457 3s, clearing the previous mark of 1,363 set by the 2022/23 Warriors. In fact, Mazzulla’s first 3-seasons as Head Coach have resulted in 3 of the top-4 3-point shooting teams in NBA History.

The Celtics had 3 players surpass the previous single season record for 3s made by a Celtic and all 3 set career highs for 3s made in a single season. This same style of play has resulted in two Sixth Man of the Year Awards, two Conference Finals appearances, one Conference title and most importantly; one Larry O’Brien Trophy. 

Boston took 60 3s in Game 1, 56 of those 3s were wide to wide open 3s. Meaning of their 60 3-point attempts, 56 came with the defender at least 4ft away. Good shots that the Celtics take every day, but if only 25% of your open shots, it’s almost impossible to win a basketball game.

For contrast, the Knicks took 37 3P attempts in Game 1, 31 of those were wide to wide open; the Knicks shot 55% on these open attempts and they did it on the road.

Our Best Bets in Game 2 between the Knicks and Celtics

Josh Hart o11.5 Points (+100 via BetOnline)

We’re going right back to Hart. The Celtics came into this game and looked great to start, they neutralized Karl Anthony-Towns and Jalen Brunson struggled to get open in that firs half. Boston did the same think they did all year, leave Hart open.

It’s clear how the Celtics have decided to defend Hart; by just making the choice to not defend him. Boston’s defensive approach has more to do with stopping Jalen Brunson than it does with leaving Hart open. The Celtics’ focus has been to double Brunson, get the ball out of his hands and make the other guys beat them.

The anyone but Brunson approach has directly led to Hart’s increased volume in games against Boston, strictly due to the fact he’s getting open shots.

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.

In the 5-matchups this year, Hart’s averaging 14.6 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 5.5 APG,  He’s had 12+ points in all 5 matchups and he’s taking an average of 11.8 shot attempts per game.

The 11.8 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. Hart’s also getting to the line for 4.6 free throw attempts per game against Boston and tonight I’d expect more of the same.

Celtics Team Total o110.5 Points (-115 via BetOnline)

Boston took 56 open 3s last game, they made 25% of those shots, in front of their home crowd. The Knicks defense was relaxed and by no means the reason Boston totaled just 21 points in the 4th quarter and overtime. It’s impossible to put up points when you continue to miss open shots.

The Celtics offense looked jumbled in the second half. Their dependency on the 3-ball lead to a stagnant offense when the shots stopped dropping. The Celtics scored 61 points in the first half but really struggled after halftime, scoring just 49 points in the second half.

Look for Boston’s offense to come out firing in Game 2. 

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