Knicks vs Celtics picks, predictions, odds for NBA playoff series

Cade Cunningham reacts to Detroit Pistons’ Game 6 loss to NY Knicks

“The immediate one is disappointment. … That feeling will stick with us this summer,” Cade Cunningham said after Game 6 vs New York Knicks, May 1, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena.

The No. 2 seed Boston Celtics and No. 3 seed New York Knicks play in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs starting Monday, May 5.

Who will win the series and advance to the Eastern Conference finals?

Check out these NBA playoffs series picks and predictions for the Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

The Celtics are -800 to win the series in NBA playoffs odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. The Knicks are +550.

The Celtics winning in five games is at +200 in odds for the outcome of the series. Boston is at +325 to win in four games, +400 to win in seven games and +400 to win in six games.

The Knicks are +1100 to beat the Celtics in seven games, +1400 to win in six games, +3500 to win in five games and +6600 to sweep Boston.

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The Oklahoman: Celtics will beat Knicks in five games

Justin Martinez writes: “On paper, New York has the tools to threaten Boston. It has plenty of wing defenders to throw at Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and it has an elite closer in Jalen Brunson. But that didn’t translate in the regular season, where the Celtics swept the four-game series. Boston’s perimeter-centric offense will be a handful for New York, which ranks 26th in the NBA in opponent 3-point percentage (36.7%). Rim protectors such as Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will also disrupt the Knicks, who do most of their damage from inside the arc. Give me Boston in five.”

NBC Sports: Celtics will defeat Knicks in five games

Nick Goss writes: “The Celtics are a bad matchup for the Knicks. They also have homecourt advantage, much more playoff experience, a deeper roster and the best player in the series in Tatum. Boston is a little banged up, so injuries could definitely be a factor, but it’s probably going to take a near-perfect effort from New York to pull off the upset.”

Sporting News: Celtics will win series vs Knicks in six games

Stephen Noh writes: “The Knicks have too many weak points defensively, and the Celtics have scoring at every single position. New York had its hands full stopping Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren pick-and-rolls. Boston will give them an even tougher challenge. The Knicks should take a few games, but the Celtics will probably move on to face the Cavs in the Conference Finals.”

Bleacher Report: Celtics will advance past Knicks in six games

Andy Bailey writes: “Even with Jrue Holiday nursing a hamstring injury, it feels like Boston will be the deeper team in this matchup. New York has enough talent to push the reigning champs and keep most of these games competitive, but Boston’s quest to repeat should survive the conference semifinals.”

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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Knicks vs Celtics picks, predictions, odds for NBA playoff series

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