Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds, Bets & Player Props ECSF Game 5- 05/14/2025

On Wednesday, 05/14, the Boston Celtics (1-3) will host the New York Knicks (3-1) for Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks once again unlocked their late-game heroics and defeated the Celtics 121-113 in Game 4 to acquire a decisive lead in the series. Can the Celtics recover from Jayson Tatum’s injury and save their season at home? Find the total, spread, and player props predictions here.

Where to Watch Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks

Time: 7:00 PM (ET)
Venue: TD Garden (Boston, Massachusetts)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass. It can be viewed on TNT too.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Game 5 Lineups, Sneak Peek

The Celtics are on the cusp

Game 4 was a nightmare for the Boston Celtics. It was a familiar story like in the previous games. Boston jumped to a double-digit lead by the half. But the resolute Knicks had been there before in each game.

However, unlike Game 3, the Celtics couldn’t capitalize. The Knicks had a brilliant 37-23 third quarter to acquire a rare three-point lead at the end of the third quarter. But then a couple of three-pointers by Jayson Tatum helped the Celtics get ahead by a point.

Then the Knicks’ duo of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby killed the Celtics’ momentum and made key shots to put their team ahead by as much as 9 points with three minutes remaining. Tatum suffered a horrific injury, and the Knicks kept their cool to finish the game.

Jalen Brunson had a brilliant 39-point performance. Meanwhile, Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns scored in the 20-23 points range. Tatum had a monster 42-point performance for the Celtics.

Derrick White and Jaylen Brown scored in the 20-23 points range, but the Knicks’ frontline depth made a bigger impact. The Knicks made 6 fewer three-pointers, but a 43-31 rebounding advantage helped them generate 13 more field goals.

It is one of the few instances when a team has won despite getting outflanked from a long range. It sums up the hustle of the Knicks team, whose team-building can’t be praised enough.

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: Luke Kornet | C: Al Horford

Key bench players: C: Luke Kornet, C: Kristaps Porzigins, PG: Payton Pritchard

Injuries/Updates: Jayson Tatum is OUT. Sam Hauser is DOUBTFUL.

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

Game 4 was a departure from the norm. In the first three games, the highest total was 213( Game 1-Overtime). The Knicks hadn’t touched the 110-point mark but managed 121 on the home floor, around 20 points above the stipulated projection of the bookmakers.

Meanwhile, the Celtics had their second 110+ points performance. The Overall total was 20+ points above the expected mark. But will we see such huge scoring in Game 5 too? I don’t think so. I see a low-scorer in Game 5 and would prefer going “Under”.

Total Under 208.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Knicks: Points Over 105.5 for -102 at BetMGM

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

Jaylen Brown to score under 24.5 points: Brown is having a tough series, averaging 20.5 PPG on a 37.7% clip. With Tatum out, his field goal attempts can go up from 20 to 25. However, I believe the Knicks’ defense will hold him below 24.

Karl-Anthony Towns to pull down over 12.5 rebounds: KAT is having a fantastic series on the boards. He has clamped 14 RPG, hitting the “Over” mark on three of the four occasions. I see him doing it again.

Derrick White to make under 3.5 triples: The Celtics’ off-guard will also have to attempt more shots in Tatum’s absence. He has made five or more three-pointers in two of the last four games. But I see him making only 2-3 here.

Main pick: Rebounds: Karl-Anthony Towns O 12.5:+106 at FanDuel

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Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Game 5 Prediction- NBA Betting Lines

The Knicks will enter as the undergo for the fifth straight game, despite being up 3-1. The reasons are that the Celtics are holding the home court advantage and are in desperation mode to save their season. Boston has a favorable spread of -4.5, which means the bookmakers expect a close game.

However, I see things differently. I agree that Boston’s role players will be hungry to at least force a Game 6, but I can’t discount the Knicks’ frontline, which played its best in Game 4. Thus, I would place a moneyline bet on the NY Knicks.

Betting Lines-

Spread: Knicks +4.5: -112. Celtics -3.5: -108 (FanDuel)
Total: 208.5: O: -115. U: -105. (BetMGM)
Player Props: OG Anunoby: Points: 15.5. O: +102. U: -136. (FanDuel)

Safe Spread Pick: Moneyline: Knicks +152 at FanDuel

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-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!