The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have reignited their storied rivalry in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. The series commenced with a thrilling Game 1, where the Knicks staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a 20-point deficit to secure a 108-105 victory in overtime. This win not only marked a significant achievement for the Knicks but also allowed them to steal home-court advantage from the reigning champions, the Celtics.
In a surprising turn of events, the Celtics struggled significantly from beyond the arc, missing an NBA record 45 three-pointers during the Game 1 loss. They finished the game shooting just 15 for 60 from three-point range, a statistic that raises concerns about their shooting performance moving forward in the series. Despite this setback, the Celtics remain the heavy favorites to win the series, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday night.
This playoff matchup is notable as it marks the first postseason encounter between the two teams since 2013. In the first round, the Celtics demonstrated their prowess by defeating the Orlando Magic in five games, while the Knicks earned their place in the second round by eliminating the Detroit Pistons in a closely contested six-game series.
Both teams showcase their talent through All-NBA superstars. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has been exceptional, averaging 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists against the Magic. Meanwhile, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has also been impressive, contributing 31.5 points and 8.2 assists per game in the series against the Pistons. Their performances are pivotal as the teams continue their playoff journey.
The series schedule is as follows:
Game 1: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT) -- New York leads 1-0 Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 7 p.m., TNT/Max Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD Game 4: Monday, May 12 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD Game 6: Friday, May 16 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD Game 7: Monday, May 19 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBDAccording to DraftKings, the betting odds for the series currently stand at:
Series odds: Celtics -300, Knicks +250 Game 1 odds: Celtics -9.5, O/U 211As the tension builds and the rivalry intensifies, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this series unfolds, particularly with Game 2 on the horizon. Stay tuned for expert predictions and insights into the ongoing playoff battles as the Celtics vs. Knicks series continues.
