Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Game 5: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The NBA playoffs can often provide shocks, but even the most die-hard New York Knicks fans wouldn't have expected to be 3-1 up against the defending champions and on the brink of making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

The Knicks will be confident ahead of Game 5, having won the opening two games in Boston, and their task has been made substantially easier by a season-ending Achilles injury to the Celtics' star man Jayson Tatum. Down 3-1 and without Tatum, Boston is a +400 underdog to win the series.

The Celtics will not give up their championship defense easily, though, and Joe Mazzulla will be looking for more from Jaylen Brown as Boston bid to stay alive. That could lead to a thrilling clash at TD Garden and the points should flow on Tuesday night.

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Game 5 betting picks and predictions

Over 208.0 points (-110)

With the Celtics needing to win but struggling to find answers for the Knicks, especially in the paint, this becomes a tricky clash to call. 

The opening three games of this series were cagey, with none featuring more than 214 points, but the offenses finally took over in the fourth match as the pair combined for 234 at Madison Square Garden. 

That brings the over into play in Game 5 and that could be the best bet, regardless of how the game plays out. There is a chance the Knicks take it easy at TD Garden, knowing they will get the opportunity to progress at MSG anyway, which would open the door for the Celtics to dominate. 

Boston went 9-2 in their regular-season games without Tatum, suggesting they can get by without him, and Mazzulla will likely come up with a new plan to penetrate the Knicks, potentially utilising Sam Hauser more and an underperforming Kristaps Porzingis less to play small. 

However, the Knicks could simply continue what they have been doing. Tom Thibodeau's side have been excellent throughout this series, especially late on in games, like last time out when fighting back from a double-digit deficit in the second half to win. 

The Celtics have struggled to contain Jalen Brunson, while Al Horford's age and Porzingis' struggles with illness has meant they've had no answer for the Knicks in the paint. 

Whatever way this game plays out, both teams have enough scoring power to see another high points tally land. 

Payton Pritchard 15+ points (+110)

There is a good chance that Thibodeau switches up his defensive assignments on Tuesday due to Tatum's injury. OG Anunoby has been dealing with Tatum for the series but he may now switch onto Jaylen Brown, allowing Josh Hart to take Derrick White and so forth. 

The player they may worry about least is Payton Pritchard but Mazzulla will be expecting his guard to step up in Tatum's absence and, with the Knicks' best defenders busy elsewhere, he could do just that. 

Pritchard has done well enough in this series, scoring at least nine points in his four matches and putting up 23 in game three, but the Celtics will need a bit more from him if they are to survive. 

He played less than 25 minutes in three of those games, though, and should get more time on the court with Tatum out. That will give him more of an opportunity to rack up the points and while his line is set at 13.5, it could pay to back him to get just one extra bucket and notch 15 at a bigger price. 

Josh Hart over 11.5 points (-110)

With Hart facing a potentially easier defensive assignment, he should have more energy to make an impact on the other end, not that he hasn't been playing his part on offense already, of course. 

Hart has averaged 12.4 points per game in the postseason and while he has scored only 10 and six in his last two appearances, he should have no issues clearing an 11.5 points line this time around. 

He loves playing Boston, putting up an average of 14.6 points per game against the Celtics this term, with that number rising to 16.0 at TD Garden.

Back the Knicks' star to once again shine in Massachusetts.

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Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Game 5 odds

Boston Celtics	-185 ML
New York Knicks	+155 ML
Spread	BOS -4.5
Total Points	O/U 208

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks player props

Player Points

Jalen Brunson	O/U 27.5
Jaylen Brown	O/U 25.5
Karl-Anthony Towns	O/U 19.5
Derrick White	O/U 18.5
OG Anunoby	O/U 15.5
Kristaps Porzingis	O/U 15.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.