New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Playoff Game 6. Prediction, Betting Tips and Odds 16.05.2025

Event Details

• Date and Time: Monday, May 16, 2025, 6:00 PM EST
• Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
• Competition: NBA Playoff Game

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Preview

New York Knicks Team News

After losing game 5 127 -102, the New York Knicks will be taking it back home to hopefully finish out the series before a tense game 7 can happen. Jalen Brunson had a slower game 5 than many expected, but he and Karl-Anthony Towns will be on their A-game at home, putting everything on the table.

Moreover, the energy of Madison Square Garden will be a huge boost in the team’s morale after a bitter loss.

back-to-back 3️⃣s for 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/fFRiLYPmic

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 15, 2025

The bench lineup should also be firing on all cylinders with the energy in the building, hopefully helping them lock down on defence down the stretch. OG Anunoby, in particular, should have free rein to mark whichever guard is scoring the most with Jayson Tatum out, which will seriously slow down the Celtics’ offence.

However, the Knicks are really going to have to lock in offensively, as their showing in game 5 was weak. The bench is going to need to step up alongside guys like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.

SWISH. pic.twitter.com/qu40Ah55Un

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 14, 2025

All in all, without Jayson Tatum playing for the Celtics, this is the Knicks’ game to lose. As long as the Knicks lock in on defence and shoot at a decent clip, they should have no problem pushing their way into the Eastern Conference Finals.

Boston Celtics Team News

The Boston Celtics looked phenomenal in game 5, but without Jayson Tatum, they’re going to be in a tough spot. They may have won game 5 by almost 30 points, but without the scoring and defence brought by their star player, keeping that dominance for game 6 is going to be quite tough.

They are still the defending champions, with a solid lineup of veterans, but they need a guy to rely on when the going gets tough, and Jaylen Brown doesn’t always step up. They do still have the 7 footer down low in the paint and one of the best defensive guards in the league Jrue Holiday, but their scoring could be the chink in thier armor.

Business trip 💼 pic.twitter.com/S7zaucHHCt

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 15, 2025

They’re going to need to shoot at a decent clip in game 6 if they want a shot at pushing the series to 7, as Kristaps Porziņģis isn’t going to do too much into KAT. That’s not to say they won’t have some success driving to the basket, but their big man isn’t going to carry.

Despite being the heavy favorites going into round two, it’s really looking like the Celtics may have met their match. If Brown doesn’t manage to put on a miracle performance, they may not make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Prediction

• Pick: New York Knicks to win
• Odds: -133 (20Bet)
• Score prediction: Boston Celtics 103 – 107 New York Knicks

The New York Knicks will be looking to finish off the series in 6 games to give themselves a little break before taking on the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics won’t go down without a fight, but with the home fans screaming in New York, the Knicks will have all the advantage in the world.

Jalen Brunson will definitely come out shooting with Karl-Anthony Towns holding it down on the inside. As long as the duo has at least a somewhat decent game, they should be able to put down a Jayson Tatum-less Celtics without too much hassle.

a mikal middy™ to kick off game 5 pic.twitter.com/CLKrhuh0nm

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 14, 2025

That doesn’t mean the Celtics aren’t also a talented team with the ability to push the series to 7 with their deep bench, but they’ve got their work cut out for themselves. Kristaps Porziņģis will need to show up big time on the boards and defensively, shutting out KAT, and Jaylen Brown will need to fill the hole Tatum has left.

However, defensively, the Celtics are still the same juggernaut as they were in the regular season, especially on the perimeter. Holiday, Brown, and Derrick White are all top-tier defenders, and as long as they have a decent big man to shade towards, they will be in a decent spot.

.@TheGarden is ready 🤩 pic.twitter.com/PBOSeiqfID

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 14, 2025

There is definitely an avenue for the Celtics to push this series to 7, and even maybe win it all, but the Knicks’ won’t give them even a second to breathe in game 6. If the Celtics take their foot off the gas, they’re going to be overwhelmed in an instant.

As long as the Celtics shoot at a semi-decent clip and they put in the work on the defensive side of the ball, they really have no reason to lose this game. The Celtics may be going home far sooner than most fans had hoped.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Betting Tips 

• Pick: Jalen Brunson to score 29.5 or more
• Odds: -114

Jalen Brunson may have had a lacklustre game 5, but he should be on his best behavior for game 6 to finish off the second round. As long as he makes sure to play his own game and shoots at a decent clip like we know he can, pushing past 29.5 points really shouldn’t be a stretch.

• Pick: Team to win both halves: no
• Odds: -179 (20Bet)

The Boston Celtics won’t be going down without a fight, especially considering how many veterans they have on their roster. The Knicks may walk away with the game, but their chances of winning both halves back to back are quite slim. Moreover, while New York is the heavy favorite, their defence isn’t the best in the league, and certainly isn’t enough to completely shut down the Celtics.

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics  Where to Watch (USA, Canada) 

• NBA League Pass,ESPN+, Fubo (USA)
• TSN,Sportsnet  (Canada)

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

By Kai Iliev

Updated: 16 May 2025, 13:48