Celtics Vs Knicks

The New York Knicks, holding the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, are set to return to TD Garden for a pivotal Game 5 showdown against the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals this Wednesday. The Knicks managed to bounce back in Game 4 with a hard-fought 121-113 victory, extending their series lead to 3-1 and putting the Celtics on the brink of elimination. However, Boston’s hopes have taken a significant hit with the absence of their star forward, Jayson Tatum, who has been ruled out due to an Achilles injury. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden, where the Celtics will look to stave off elimination on their home court. According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Boston enters as 4.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 208 points. This betting line reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Celtics’ ability to perform without Tatum, while also acknowledging the Knicks’ recent dominance in the series.

New York has been a strong bet against the spread this season, boasting a 47-44-1 record, while Boston has struggled slightly in that regard, sitting at 42-48-1. The Knicks’ ability to cover in high-pressure situations has been a key factor in their postseason success, particularly in this series, where they have already secured two victories at TD Garden despite being underdogs in all four games. Their resilience and adaptability have made them a formidable opponent, and with Tatum sidelined, the Celtics face an uphill battle to keep their championship aspirations alive.

For bettors looking to make informed decisions, the SportsLine Projection Model has become an invaluable resource. This advanced simulation system runs 10,000 iterations of every NBA game, providing highly accurate predictions that have yielded over $10,000inprofitfor$100 bettors on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. As the 2025 NBA playoffs progress, the model has been on an impressive hot streak, going 159-117 on all top-rated NBA picks and generating nearly $4,000 in returns for followers. Additionally, it has maintained a stellar 68% win rate (23-11) on top-rated against-the-spread picks this season, making it one of the most reliable tools for sports bettors. Those who have leveraged its insights through various sportsbooks and betting apps have reaped substantial rewards, further solidifying its reputation as a must-follow model for NBA wagering.

With Game 5 looming, the SportsLine model has identified three key picks for the Knicks vs. Celtics matchup, offering bettors strategic angles to consider. One of the top recommendations is taking the New York Knicks +4.5 (-112), a line that reflects the team’s strong performance throughout the series. The Knicks have a golden opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, a milestone that has eluded the franchise since the 1999-2000 season. Despite being underdogs in every game so far—including three instances where the spread was six points or more—New York has consistently defied expectations, covering the spread in three of the four contests. Their ability to win on the road in this series, combined with Tatum’s absence, suggests they are well-positioned to keep this game competitive, if not secure another outright victory.

The Knicks’ success in this series can be attributed to their balanced offensive attack, stifling defense, and clutch performances from key players. Without Tatum, the Celtics lose not only their leading scorer but also a primary playmaker and emotional leader. Boston will need other players, such as Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, to step up in a must-win scenario, but the Knicks’ defensive schemes have proven effective in limiting secondary scoring options. Additionally, New York’s depth has been a major advantage, with role players contributing consistently on both ends of the floor.

From a betting perspective, the model’s lean toward the Knicks +4.5 underscores the value in taking the points, especially given the team’s track record in this series. The Celtics, while talented, have shown vulnerabilities, particularly when forced to adjust on the fly without their best player. The pressure of an elimination game at home could either galvanize Boston or exacerbate their struggles, making the spread a risky proposition for those backing the favorites. Conversely, the Knicks have thrived in high-stakes environments, playing with a level of poise and determination that has allowed them to outperform expectations.

Beyond the spread, the over/under set at 208 points presents another intriguing angle. The pace of play, combined with the defensive intensity of a potential closeout game, could influence whether this matchup trends toward a higher or lower-scoring affair. The Knicks have demonstrated the ability to control tempo, while the Celtics may look to push the ball more aggressively to compensate for Tatum’s absence. However, with both teams aware of the stakes, a more methodical, defensive-minded game could emerge, keeping the total within range.

Ultimately, Game 5 represents a critical juncture in this Eastern Conference Semifinal series. The Knicks are one win away from a historic berth in the conference finals, while the Celtics are fighting to extend their season and reclaim momentum. The absence of Jayson Tatum looms large, tipping the scales slightly in New York’s favor, both on the court and in the betting markets. For those looking to capitalize on this matchup, the SportsLine model’s insights provide a data-driven edge, highlighting the Knicks +4.5 as a strong play given their recent form, road success, and the Celtics’ depleted roster. As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on TD Garden to see whether New York can complete their upset bid or if Boston can muster a resilient response to keep their championship hopes alive.