The 2025 NBA playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics has basketball fans talking about East Coast rivalries again. The Knicks have taken a surprising 2-0 lead in the series after two games in Boston, coming back from large second-half deficits each time. The next game, Game 3, is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, in New York, with critical long-term implications for both franchises.
Boston, the reigning NBA champions, were favored by sportsbooks before the series started. But as the Knicks keep fighting back and making history, attention has shifted to whether the Celtics can force a comeback of their own or if New York will head back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in years. Below, we break down the series with everything you need to know: key storylines, schedule, odds, and more.
Rivalry Renewed in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
The Celtics-Knicks rivalry is one of the oldest and fiercest in the NBA, and this year’s playoff meeting is the first since 2013. Both teams have passionate fan bases and a history of memorable postseason battles. Each matchup between these two franchises carries a sense of tradition and intensity that only increases during the playoffs.
This second-round meeting feels especially significant with both teams coming off strong seasons. Boston finished with one of the league’s best records and clinched the East last year. The Knicks, meanwhile, have been building confidence and momentum, developing a stellar defensive identity. Each side knows the series is about more than advancing; it’s also about bragging rights and legacy.
There’s added drama with each game played at iconic arenas like Madison Square Garden and TD Garden. These venues create electric atmospheres that raise the stakes even higher as the series unfolds. The rivalry draws attention nationally because of both teams’ history and the unpredictable nature of their recent games.
Playoff matchups like this rekindle old storylines and bring new stars into the spotlight. For the fans, it’s about pride; for the players, it’s a test of mental toughness and talent on the biggest stage in basketball.
How New York Captured a 2-0 Lead in Boston
The Knicks’ 2-0 series advantage is impressive for several reasons. They pulled off back-to-back wins on the road, in Boston, something rarely done against a Celtics squad known for its dominance at home. In both games, New York trailed by 20 points during the third quarter. What set them apart was their composure late and their ability to capitalize on Boston’s mistakes.
In Game 1, the Knicks erased a huge deficit, pushed the game into overtime, and came out on top 108-105. That game set the tone, proving the Knicks were not intimidated by the reigning champions or their home crowd. Game 2 followed a similar script, with New York clawing back and narrowly escaping with a 91-90 win, sealed by clutch free-throw shooting and critical defensive stops.
The Knicks didn’t just survive – they executed under pressure. Coaches made quick adjustments, and New York’s bench gave valuable minutes. High-percentage shots, offensive rebounds, and rugged defense allowed them to keep each game within reach before seizing momentum for good in the final moments.
Winning both games in Boston gives New York a major psychological boost. The Celtics risk falling into a 3-0 hole, a scenario nearly impossible to recover from in NBA history. The pressure now shifts to Boston as the series heads to New York’s own raucous home court.
Boston’s Shooting Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Boston’s normally reliable outside shooting has disappeared at the worst possible time. Over the first two games, the Celtics missed a staggering 75 three-point attempts. The absence of efficient perimeter shooting made it difficult to keep leads and forced the Celtics to scrap for points in the paint rather than break away on the scoreboard.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two of Boston’s offensive stars, struggled to find the mark beyond the arc. With the Knicks clamping down defensively late in games, Boston’s shooters looked rushed and uncomfortable. This cold spell, combined with costly turnovers and rushed possessions, kept the door open for New York’s late rallies.
The margin for error in the NBA playoffs is slim. Boston’s missed three-pointers contributed directly to blown leads and a home-court disadvantage. Despite starting as heavy favorites, the Celtics now must adjust offensively if they hope to extend the series.
Shot selection and execution will be areas to watch in Game 3. The Celtics need to rediscover their outside shooting touch and make smarter decisions when they have the lead. If not, New York’s defenders will continue to dictate the tempo and force the action on their own terms.
Missed opportunities don’t just come from the perimeter. The Celtics have struggled to convert key possessions late in games, and small lapses have turned into big swings in momentum favoring the Knicks.
Knicks’ Stunning Comebacks in Games 1 and 2
New York’s ability to come back from double-digit deficits in both games has shocked fans and analysts alike. In Game 1, after trailing by more than 20 points, the Knicks kept grinding, using team defense to slow Boston and creating transition opportunities. They chipped away at the lead before forcing overtime, eventually outlasting the Celtics thanks to clutch shots and stops.
Game 2 played out much the same way. Boston led for most of the contest, but New York refused to go away. Key three-pointers and free throws during the final minutes helped the Knicks complete their second straight improbable rally. The games were eerily similar, with both wins decided in the final moments – one in overtime, the other by a single point.
What stands out is the Knicks’ resilience. Very few teams can string these kinds of comebacks together, especially on the road. The coaching staff deserves credit for strategic adjustments and keeping players calm and focused even as the crowd in Boston grew restless. Sticking with defensive intensity and trusting their offense, the Knicks found just enough in the tank to squeeze out historic victories.
These performances are why Knicks fans are so optimistic. The team’s blend of youth and experience, along with improved late-game poise, make them a threat in this playoff run, even against defending champions. If New York can keep this mentality at home, the series could tip decisively in their direction.
Playoff History Between the Knicks and Celtics
The Knicks and Celtics have met in the playoffs several times, but this is their first clash since 2013. Boston has usually been the dominant franchise, with multiple NBA titles and deeper postseason runs in the last two decades. The Knicks have experienced lengthy playoff droughts but remain one of the league’s storied clubs.
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Historical matchups between these two teams often swing on little moments. In earlier years, legends like Larry Bird and Patrick Ewing battled for Eastern Conference supremacy. More recent meetings have featured hard-nosed defense, physical play, and games remembered for last-second heroics. This legacy adds tension to every play in the 2025 series.
Each franchise has gone through periods of rebuilding and resurgence. The Celtics typically appear in the playoffs as favorites, while the Knicks tend to play the role of underdog – even now, despite their current 2-0 lead. This balance of tradition and unpredictability makes each meeting compelling for both new and longtime fans.
The 2025 series is a new chapter for the rivalry. The sense of history motivates players and coaches to add their own place in the legacy of Knicks-Celtics battles, aiming for another memorable playoff moment to be talked about for years.
Full 2025 Series Schedule and TV Information
| Game | Date | Location | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | May 5 | Boston | – | – |
| Game 2 | May 7 | Boston | – | – |
| Game 3 | May 10 | New York | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, fubo |
| Game 4 | May 12 | New York | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, fubo |
| *Game 5 | May 14 | Boston | TBD | TBD |
| *Game 6 | May 16 | New York | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN, fubo |
| *Game 7 | May 19 | Boston | 8:00 p.m. | TNT/Max |
Every game in the series is broadcast nationally on major networks, maximizing viewership. The streaming option through fubo offers additional ways to watch live if cable isn’t an option. If necessary, Games 5-7 will rotate between Boston and New York based on the higher seed.
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This schedule gives the Celtics a chance to return home if they can turn things around in New York. Fans can plan around these marquee matchups, and both arenas will be packed with energy. Each game start time is set to suit primetime audiences, ensuring maximum exposure as the series unfolds.
The setup gives both the Knicks and Celtics chances to use their home courts to their advantage, but the current series lead by New York has already flipped the script on usual home-court trends in this rivalry.
Current Series Odds and Game Lines
When the series began, oddsmakers at DraftKings had the Celtics favored at -120 to win the series, while the Knicks were considered slight underdogs at +100. The Game 1 line saw Boston as 5.5-point favorites with a projected total (O/U) of 205.5 points. Those odds have shifted as New York took command with their road wins.
The live odds now reflect the uncertainty around Boston’s performance. After dropping the first two games at home, the Celtics’ chances in the market have dropped, while confidence in New York has risen sharply. Bettors are now closely watching not only game-to-game spreads but also series-long wagers like exact game result or top performer.
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Sportsbooks are keeping things tight, given both the teams’ recent performances and the unpredictability of this specific rivalry. With each Knicks win, the odds of a sweep become more realistic, but the Celtics’ championship pedigree means no outcome can be ruled out just yet.
Expert predictions for Game 3 will depend heavily on Boston’s adjustments and whether New York can feed off the home crowd. The market could move even more if news comes out about any lineup changes, injuries, or strategic shifts before tipoff.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
This series is packed with star power and intriguing matchups. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are the Knicks’ most dangerous threats, both capable of taking over games, especially in crunch time. Randle’s physicality creates mismatches for Boston’s front line, and Brunson’s poise at point guard keeps the Knicks offense steady under pressure.
On the Celtics’ side, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown carry most of the scoring load. Their ability to get hot from the perimeter and drive to the rim will be essential if Boston wants to reverse its fortune. Tatum’s all-around game and Brown’s athleticism put stress on New York’s busy defenders.
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The clash in the paint is also a key story. Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein control the boards for New York, while Boston will rely on Kristaps Porzingis for rim protection and spacing. The rebounding battle often decides possessions, leading to huge momentum swings.
Bench play matters more as the games tighten. Look for unexpected contributions from role players, especially on the Knicks’ side, where depth has helped maintain energy late in games. Boston’s response will hinge on solid minutes from their second unit, particularly defensively to slow New York’s shooters and limit fast breaks.
The individual battles – inside and out – will define whether the Knicks can keep building their lead or the Celtics can punch back and seize control again.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams
This playoff series has major implications for both teams and their timelines. For the Knicks, a series win would mean a return to the Eastern Conference Finals – something that’s been rare for the franchise in recent decades. It would also solidify the current roster as true contenders moving forward and validate management’s recent moves.
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For Boston, expectations are sky-high after last season’s championship. An early exit in 2025, especially after holding high hopes and home-court advantage, would be a significant disappointment. The pressure is on coach Joe Mazzulla and his core players to make adjustments and protect their legacy as one of the NBA’s most consistent winners.
The outcome will also impact how each organization approaches the offseason. A Knicks win might mean keeping the core together and making only minor tweaks. A Celtics loss could lead to tougher choices around contracts, the roster, or even coaching changes, depending on how the series plays out.
Beyond the x’s and o’s, there’s the rivalry itself. Both teams want to send a message in the East and set the tone for future showdowns. The winner will gain not just advancement, but momentum and pride that lasts beyond just this season.
Analysis and Prediction for Game 3
Heading into Game 3, the Knicks have all the momentum, along with the backing of their home crowd. New York’s late-game poise and defensive resilience could make a huge difference if the Celtics’ shooting woes continue. However, Boston is loaded with playoff experience and capable of silencing a home court with early runs if they get hot from outside.
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The key for the Knicks will be keeping Boston’s scorers uncomfortable for four quarters, while continuing to attack mismatches and push for second-chance points. Another comeback may not be realistic – New York needs a strong start at home to prevent the Celtics from establishing rhythm early.
If Boston can regain their confidence from three-point range and keep turnovers low, they’ll put themselves in a strong spot to steal a win on the road. But the pressure is mounting, and another loss would be nearly impossible to recover from historically. Expect a physical, closely fought battle with the smallest details making the difference.
The Knicks’ crowd should make it loud and hostile for Boston, putting extra weight on every shot and possession. If New York manages to win Game 3, they could be poised for a sweep and a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. This game feels like a must-win for the Celtics – and a celebration opportunity for the Knicks faithful.
