Game 5: Celtics @ Knicks Weds. May 1, 2025 7 p.m. ET

The season is on the brink for the Boston Celtics for a second straight game with Kevin Garnett and company heading into a hostile environment at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday to take on the New York Knicks in Game 5.

Although the Knicks were able to pull out the win over the Celtics in Game 4, Boston finally showed signs of life, as Paul Pierce and Jason Terry were able to lead the storied NBA franchise to victory at TD Garden in Boston. Despite the incredibly poor performance by Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks were still able to force overtime in Game 4, but ultimately lost the game on the road leading to a Game 5 showdown in New York.

In Game 5, the Knicks will be looking to close the door on the Celtics’ season. Boston may be in a desperate situation, but it’s not unfamiliar territory with the Celtics as experienced team in the playoffs as any team left standing.

One big upside for the Knicks heading in Game 5 other than the return to Madison Square Garden is the return of reigning Sixth Man of the Year, J.R. Smith. Without Smith in Game 4, the Knicks struggled from beyond the arc and in the scoring department. It could be argued that if Smith was playing the last game the Knicks would’ve pulled off the sweep, but that no longer matters with New York still in control.

As of right now, the Knicks are favored to come out with the win in Game 5 with an -8 ½ point spread. Although the Celtics will put up a valiant effort, Boston will more than likely lose this game in convincing fashion.

Prediction: Knicks -8 1/2

Related News

• NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks
• NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics Game 6
• NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics go for three against the New York Knicks in Game 3
• Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks sportsbook odds and predictions
• New York Knicks’ Amare Stoudemire upset over hand injury