New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Predictions, Odds, Bets & Player Props ECSF Game 6- 05/16/2025

On Thursday, 05/16, the New York Knicks (3-2) will host the Boston Celtics for Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Celtics went beast mode in Game 5, acquiring a 25-point win (127-102) to save their season. Can the Knicks avoid such an embarrassment on their home floor to seal the series? Find the total, spread, and player props predictions here.

Where to Watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics

Time: 800 PM (ET)
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York City, NY)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass. It can also be viewed on TNT.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Game 6 Lineups, Sneak Peek

Are the Knicks vulnerable?

The Knicks had their worst performance of the series in Game 5. They had a strong 32-30 start in the first quarter. The Celtics tied the game by halftime. From there, it was all Boston.

The Celtics built a 15-point lead in the third quarter and never looked back, comfortably closing out the game. The biggest problem for the Knicks was the Celtics’ relentless three-point shooting.

They had their best outing of the series, nailing 22 triples (44.9% FG) compared to 12 by New York. Meanwhile, they shot 52.4% from the field compared to 35.8% by the Knicks.

Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, who combined for 40 points in Game 4, had just 15 points between the two. Anunoby shot an awful 1/12 from the field. The rest of the starters did the job, but it was the Jaylen Brown-Derrick White Show from the Celtics.

Brown dished 12 assists alongside 26 points. Meanwhile, White was the most red-hot player of the night, nailing 7 triples en route to a 34-point explosion.

This performance was a huge morale booster in the absence of the team’s ace Jayson Tatum. On the other hand, the Knicks showed their usual troubles during the season. However, they still have the series lead and the home-court advantage for this game.

Knicks Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: OG Anunoby | SF: Mikal Bridges | C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Key bench players: SG: Miles McBride, C: Mitchell Robinson, PG: Cameron Payne.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Celtics Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Jaylen Brown | SG/SF: Derrick White | C: Al Horford | C: Kristaps Porzingis

Key bench players: C: Luke Kornet, SF: Sam Hauser, PG: Payton Pritchard

Injuries/Updates: Jayson Tatum is OUT for the playoffs.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Total Over/Under Prediction- NBA Best Bets

Two straight games have gone “Over” the mark. Game 5 produced 229 points while Game 4 accounted for 234 points. The Celtics have scored 110+ in three straight games and have scored more points overall despite being down in the series.

On the other hand, the Knicks have scored 102 or fewer in three of the last four games. But I see things changing in Game 6. First of all, I see the total going “under” here and the Celtics’ 110+ scoring also taking a hit.

Total Under 210.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Celtics: Points Under 106.5 for -115 at BetMGM

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Player Props Predictions- NBA Betting Picks

Jalen Brunson to score over 30.5 points: JB has scored 26.8 PPG during the series. He has gone “Under” the projections in three of the last five games. However, I see him going “Over” here.

Karl-Anthony Towns to pull down over 11.5 rebounds: KAT has been a menace on the boards in the series. He is averaging 12.8 RPG, which was his regular-season average, too. He has gone “over” in three of the five games, and I see him doing it again.

Derrick White to make under 3.5 triples: Last time I picked the Celtics’ strongest off-the-ball shooter to make under 3.5 threes, and oh boy was I wrong! But I will stick with this prediction for Game 6.

Main pick: Rebounds: Karl-Anthony Towns O 11.5: -114 at FanDuel

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New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Game 6 Prediction- NBA Betting Lines

The bookmakers have finally allotted odds in favor of the Knicks. But even then, there is some skepticism. The spread is merely -2.5 in their favor, thus, the Celtics are not considered heavy underdogs in this case. The Game 5 performance by the Knicks might be a big reason.

But it often happens in a Game 7 series. But we have seen how this sort of lackadaisical play can end up being detrimental. At any rate, I don’t see the Knicks playing like the second half of Game 5. I believe they will play their best game of the series and comfortably advance to the next round.

Betting Lines–

Spread: Knicks -2.5: -116. Celtics +2.5: -106 (FanDuel)
Total: 210.5: O: -110. U: -110. (BetMGM)
Player Props: Jaylen Brown: Points: 25.5. O: -120. U: -110. (FanDuel)

Safe Spread Pick: Spread: Knicks -3.5 for +105 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!