Celtics vs Knicks Picks and Prediction – 5/17/2025

The World’s Most Famous Arena will play host to a Friday night NBA playoff battle between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The second-seeded Celtics (2-3) have split their first four road playoff games and rank second during the postseason in defensive efficiency. In Game Five, Boston outscored New York by 15 points during the third quarter of a convincing 127-102 home victory. 

Boston G Derrick White knocked down 7 of 13 from the three-point line and led all scorers with 34 points. All-Star G Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points (9-17 FG), 12 assists, and eight rebounds. Luke Kornet added ten points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks off the bench for the Celtics. 

The New York Knicks have dropped three of their first five home playoff games and are looking to make their first trip to the conference finals since 2000. The third-seeded Knicks (3-2) have made major strides defensively during the postseason and have been sparked by the presence of C Mitchell Robinson. During Wednesday’s road loss, New York converted 32 of 40 free-throw attempts but shot an ice cold 36 percent from the field. 

New York F Josh Hart tallied a team-high 24 points on 7-for-15 shooting and pulled down seven boards. All-Star G Jalen Brunson scored 22 points and dished out six assists before fouling out in the fourth quarter. All-Star F/C Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Knicks. 

Boston F Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the postseason. The Knicks have their best chance of making a run at an NBA Championship in more than 25 years and will not let this opportunity pass. Take New York to win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, New York Knicks win 110-99.