New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Series Picks and Predictions

Basketball fans can’t wait for Monday, May 5, as the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated big-market second-round clash.

Boston, the defending champions, finished with the second-best record in the East at 61-21, while New York secured the No. 3 seed with a 51-31 mark. Despite each team advancing through physical first-round matchups, this series, which has stars everywhere, looks much more one-sided on paper.

Let’s break down our top series picks for Celtics vs. Knicks.

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics series betting picks and predictions

Series Spread: Celtics -2.5 Games (-125)

While we considered betting the Celtics to win 4-1 at +190 for more value, the safer and still plus-expected play is Celtics -2.5 games at -125. This gives us the cushion of cashing in either a 4-0 or 4-1 Boston series win, which are both highly plausible outcomes.

Boston dominated New York in the regular season, sweeping the four-game series and winning three of those matchups by double digits. In their opening night 132-109 win, Jayson Tatum erupted for 37 points on 8-of-11 from deep, and the Celtics outclassed the Knicks in nearly every facet: more threes (29), better ball movement (13 more assists) and just four turnovers.

In Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, it was more of the same. Tatum dropped 40 with seven threes, and the Celtics hit 19-of-39 from beyond the arc while out-rebounding and out-passing the Knicks again. Jalen Brunson scored 36, but got little help.

Boston took Game 3 by 13 points, and even in the closest meeting, an overtime win in April, Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis combined for 66 points and 12 threes. Even when the Celtics weren’t at full intensity, they still found ways to win.

Matchups favor Boston on both ends. The Knicks ranked 26th in opponent three-point percentage this season, while Boston led the league in made threes, and they play with excellent spacing.

The Celtics were also elite defensively inside the arc and on the boards – two areas where New York relies on consistent production. If Boston continues to control the glass and limits second-chance points, this series could end quickly.

Most Points In Series: Jalen Brunson (+110)

Here’s where we give the Knicks some credit. While the Celtics may breeze through the series, New York’s Jalen Brunson remains a consistent volume scorer who will likely take the most shots on either team.

Brunson averaged 31.5 points per game in the first round, taking nearly 25 shots per game and 9 free throw attempts, while shooting over 43% from the field. He scored 30+ in five of six games against Detroit, including a 40-point Game 6 clincher, despite going up against one of the league’s best defenders in Ausar Thompson. Brunson’s combination of skill, craftiness, and his ability to get a favorable whistle is a dangerous recipe for scoring. 

Brunson also averaged 26.8 ppg against the Celtics this year, and looked better and better the more he played against them, shooting 52.8% from the field in four games. 

Boston has multiple scoring threats, like Tatum, Brown, White and Porzingis, which makes it unlikely that one Celtics player leads the series in total points. Meanwhile, Brunson will play heavy minutes and dominate usage for the Knicks. Even against Boston’s length and defensive versatility, he’s the most likely to put up the raw numbers needed to win this market.

Most Threes Made In Series: Jayson Tatum (+150)

This one came down to Tatum, Derrick White, and Porzingis, but Tatum’s volume and consistency push him over the edge.

Against the Knicks in the regular season, Tatum averaged 5.5 made threes per game on 11.5 attempts. His game logs are filled with long-range excellence: 8-of-11, 7-of-14, 3-of-10, and 4-of-11 – totaling 22 made threes in four games.

White is the market favorite at +130 thanks to a scorching 54% clip from three in the season series, but he didn’t take as many as Tatum, and he likely won’t in this series. Porzingis has long-range potential (8 threes in one game vs NY), but his role and usage are more variable.

The Knicks' best defenders, in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, will likely be tasked with slowing down drives, which could lead to more step-back and pick-and-pop threes for Tatum. As the Celtics’ star and focal point in a marquee playoff series, expect Tatum to stay aggressive from deep.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NBA on site.

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics series odds

New York Knicks	+525
Boston Celtics	-750

Read a full breakdown of the Knicks vs. Celtics series odds on site.

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.