Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Knicks vs. Celtics Preview – Will Defending Champions Bounce Back at MSG?

Saturday's matchup would define the Celtics' future for sure and if they fail, the series is actually over for them.

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

New York Knicks and Boston Celtics will arrive at Madison Square Garden for the highly-anticipated Game 3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday afternoon. The defending champions are under pressure after dropping both home games in the series and they are two defeats away to face elimination.

Also Read: Draymond Green Closing Towards Suspension in NBA Playoffs After Latest Technical Foul

New York Knicks Preview

The Knicks erased a 20-point deficit to snatch a crucial win in Game 2 and availed a 2-0 advantage in the series before arriving at MSG. As the experts said earlier, “This Series is Over” and it could be a four-game series if New York counter Boston’ strategy in back-to-back home-court matchups. New York also struggled in 3-point shooting in previous game as they went 9-for-31. The fourth quarter surged helped them to cross the line. Mikal Bridges’s game-winning steal denied Boston a chance to win the game.

BRUNSON HITS TWO FREE THROWS.

BRIDGES TAKES THE BALL AWAY.

KNICKS TAKE 2-0 SERIES LEAD. pic.twitter.com/NbyRwQri9O
— NBA (@NBA) May 8, 2025

Boston Celtics Preview

This playoff series has been a nightmare for the Celtics and one more defeat will almost eliminate from the playoffs. No team has won the playoff series after conceding a 3-0 lead. Celtics had forced Game 7 in 2023 after losing first three games but eventually lost the final game. After missing 45 three-pointers in Game 1, the Celtics were 10-for-40 from three-point range in Game 2. It draws so many questions around Tatum and Brown who had terrible shooting stints. Saturday’s matchup would define the Celtics’ future for sure and if they fail, the series is actually over for them.

"There's a possibility this team's not gonna come back. … That's what's on the line." 😳

@WindhorstESPN says the Celtics may look different next year if they don’t win their series against the Knicks. pic.twitter.com/DQKRaWlYfF
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 8, 2025

Knicks vs. Celtics Injury Report

New York Knicks

None

Boston Celtics

Sam Hauser: Questionable

Also Read: Boston Celtics Set Unwanted NBA Record Amid Woeful Conference Semifinals Run vs. New York Knicks

Knicks vs. Celtics: Head-to-Head

The Celtics and the Knicks have played 69 games in the NBA playoffs with 36 win for the Celtics and 33 for the Knicks. During the regular series, the defending champions won all four games with a double-digit margin in three games. In previous eight playoff games, Boston managed only two wins and are already on a three-game losing streak.

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics

NBA Playoffs

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Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.