NBA Playoffs Game 1 New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-05-25

​The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks tip off Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight at TD Garden. The Celtics, fresh off a dominant 64-18 regular season and a 4-0 sweep of the Knicks during that span, are 8.5-point favorites heading into the series opener. ​

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics

• Point Spread: Celtics -9
• Moneyline Knicks +310
• Moneyline Celtics -390
• Over/Under 212.5

Matchup Breakdown

The Celtics enter the postseason as the defending NBA champions, showcasing a strong lineup led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They have kept their core roster intact, focusing on continuity and experience. Boston’s offensive efficiency is a key element of their success, and their ability to exploit the Knicks’ defensive weaknesses, particularly from beyond the three-point line, could be crucial.

The Knicks, embracing their underdog status, have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. Jalen Brunson continues to be a significant contributor, and the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns has strengthened their frontcourt presence. However, New York’s perimeter defense has raised concerns, especially when facing teams with strong three-point shooting like Boston.

Key Matchups

• Jayson Tatum vs. OG Anunoby: Anunoby’s defensive prowess will be tested as he aims to contain Tatum’s scoring versatility. ​

• Jalen Brunson vs. Jrue Holiday: Brunson’s offensive leadership will be crucial, especially under the defensive pressure from Holiday.​

• Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Al Horford: With Porzingis sidelined, Towns has an opportunity to dominate the paint against the veteran Horford.

Knicks vs Celtics Moneyline

Moneyline value exists for a bet on the Nuggets. I am leaning towards taking the Nuggets on the Money line. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Knicks +9

• Rebounds to be key
• Turnovers to be key
• Celtics at Home

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Get bonus now

The best NBA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NBA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Get Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets Over Your First 10 Days

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). See BetMGM.com for Terms. New Player Offer for new players only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in NJ, MA, MI, NV, NY, ON, PA, PR, and WV.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Fanatics Promo

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

Knicks vs Celtics Over/Under Analysis

Given both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities, the total points could surpass the 212.5 mark.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Over 212.5

• Both teams to play well on offense
• Celtics injury issues
• Celtics at Home

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Get bonus now

The Celtics’ home-court advantage and cohesive unit make them formidable opponents. However, the Knicks’ hunger and recent roster enhancements could lead to a closely contested game. Expect a high-scoring affair with the Celtics narrowly edging out the Knicks in Game 1.​ Take the Knicks +9 points in this one.

Bet Knicks +9