New York (3-1) at Boston (1-3)
- When: May 14 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA, USA
- TV: TNT
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics – Game 5 Preview and Prediction
Spread: Boston (-4.5) | Total: 208.0
Boston Celtics Outlook
The Celtics find themselves in a do-or-die situation as they host the New York Knicks for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. But they’ll be going into battle without their star scorer, Jayson Tatum. The 27-year-old suffered a devastating Achilles injury in Game 4, where he scored 42 points before being helped off the court with under three minutes remaining. Surgery was deemed successful, but the timeline for his recovery remains murky, with some reports suggesting he could miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Despite the massive blow, Jaylen Brown remains confident. “Get ready for the next one. Get ready to fight,” Brown said. “We’ve got enough in the locker room, so I believe in my guys.” That belief will be put to the test, especially considering that Boston trails 3-1 in the series. However, the Celtics were resilient during the regular season without Tatum, boasting a 9-2 record when he was sidelined, including a notable win against Orlando in the first round.
Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed both concern and optimism. “We’re concerned about his health, and we’re concerned about what we have to do better for Game 5,” he noted. Kristaps Porzingis echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Tatum wouldn’t want them to play timidly. “We have to move forward. He doesn’t want us to be sad and not playing our best basketball,” Porzingis added.
Boston is going to need that mentality if they hope to survive Game 5 and extend the series. Their ability to win without Tatum is proven, but doing it against a surging Knicks squad is a whole different challenge.
New York Knicks Outlook
The Knicks are on the brink of doing something they haven’t done in 25 years—reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Up 3-1 in the series, New York is just one win away from sending Boston packing. Led by Jalen Brunson, who poured in 39 points and 12 assists in Game 4, the Knicks are feeling the momentum. Brunson has averaged a scorching 30.2 points in his 34 career playoff games with New York.
“We have a great opportunity,” Brunson stated. “We’re playing a really good team, and I don’t think we’re playing our best basketball yet.” For a team that is 5-0 on the road this postseason, including two wins in Boston, the Knicks are exuding confidence.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a force in this series as well, notching double-doubles in six straight games and averaging 19.8 points and 14.0 rebounds against the Celtics. His presence in the paint has been a nightmare for Boston’s defense, and with Tatum out, it might only get worse.
Game 5 Prediction and Picks:
Without Tatum, the Celtics are going to have to rely heavily on Brown, Porzingis, and their bench depth to even stand a chance against this red-hot Knicks squad. New York’s dominance on the road and its confidence heading into Game 5 are major factors. Boston may keep it close with home-court advantage, but the Knicks’ momentum and ability to close out games could be too much.
Final Score Prediction: New York 108, Boston 102
Best Bet: Knicks (+150)
Total:
Over 208.0
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
