Game 6: Knicks @ Celtics Fri. May 2, 2025 7 p.m. ET

Coming into Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, the majority of the New York Knicks players dressed as if they were going to a funeral. With the players in all black per Kenyon Martin’s request, the Knicks were so confident they’d come out on top and advance to the second round to face either the Indiana Pacers or Atlanta Hawks.

There’s no question that most people believe the Knicks are the better team in this series. New York is younger, faster and more talented than Boston, but the Celtics are without a doubt the more experienced team with nothing to lose at this point in the series.

All the Celtics needed was a little motivation to spark the fire and the Knicks provided that motivation in an ill-advised fashion with their black suits and funeral charade. Although the Celtics were able to take advantage of the Knicks lapse in judgment, Boston will still have a hell of an uphill battle heading into Game 6 against an angry and potentially just as motivated Knicks squad.

The one thing the Celtics have going for them coming into this matchup is home-court advantage. TD Garden is a hostile environment for every visiting team and the Knicks will be receiving an even more hostile situation due to their antics prior and during Game 6.

As of right now, the Knicks are favored to come out on top against the Celtics on their home floor with a -2 point spread. Although New York will likely come into this game prepared and ready to advance, the Celtics will still pose a challenge on their home floor, but will ultimately fall to the Knicks.

Prediction: Knicks -2

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