The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have renewed their rivalry in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, and the series got off to a thrilling start. The Knicks erased a 20-point deficit on Monday night to win Game 1, 108-105, in overtime to steal home-court advantage away from the reigning champs.
The Celtics missed an NBA record 45 3-pointers in the Game 1 loss, going 15 for 60 from beyond the arc. Still, the Celtics are the heavy favorites to win the series, which resumes with Game 2 on Wednesday night.
It’s the first playoff matchup between the teams since 2013, and Game 1 is set for Monday night in Boston. The reigning NBA champion Celtics took care of the Orlando Magic in five games in the first round, while the Knicks eliminated the Detroit Pistons in six games in a much closer series.
Both teams are led by All-NBA superstars. Celtics wing Jayson Tatum averaged 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists against the Magic in the first round, while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson put up 31.5 points and 8.2 assists per game against the Pistons.
Celtics vs. Knicks schedule, scores
All times Eastern
Game 1: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT) — New York leads 1-0
Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 7 p.m., TNT/Max
Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
Game 4: Monday, May 12 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 16 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 19 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD
Celtics vs. Knicks odds
Odds via DraftKings
Series odds: Celtics -340, Knicks +270
Game 1 odds: Celtics -10.5, O/U 211
Celtics vs. Knicks Game 2 pick
The Knicks may have won Game 1, but it’s hard to say their strategy worked. They switched more than they had all season defensively, and one of the side effects of doing so was Karl-Anthony Towns getting into quick foul trouble. The Knicks can’t expect OG Anunoby to score 29 points every night, and they can’t expect Jalen Brunson to lead this offense himself. They need more out of Towns to score with Boston when they aren’t suffering from unusually bad shooting variance. Expect a game plan that emphasizes keeping Towns on the floor and involved in the offense. The Pick: Towns Over 18.5 Points
