Boston Celtics vs
New York KnicksPredictions & Preview

Knicks Hold 3-2 Series Lead Over Celtics Heading Into Game 6: Tatum's Absence Looming Large for Boston

The Boston Celtics will face off against the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday night, with the Knicks currently holding a 3-2 lead in the series. Despite losing star forward Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles in Game 4, the Celtics managed to secure a 127-102 victory in Game 5 as 5.5-point favorites. The upcoming game is scheduled to tipoff at 8:00 EST and will be broadcast on ESPN. New York is the betting favorite, opening at -2.5, with the line remaining unchanged. Stay tuned for our Celtics vs. Knicks prediction and more analysis.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Celtics +121 | Knicks -140
• Spread: Celtics +2.5 (-110) | Knicks -2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 211.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that New York will win straight-up is 58%.

Boston vs New York Stats

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have suffered a major setback with the loss of star forward Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles injury, sidelining him for the rest of this season and likely next season. Despite being down 3-1 after Game 4, the Celtics showed resilience in Game 5 with a win led by Derrick White's impressive performance. White, a key player for the team, has been stepping up in the playoffs along with Jaylen Brown, who has taken on a larger role as the leading scorer in Tatum's absence. Veterans Al Horford and Jrue Holiday provide solid defense for the team, while Payton Pritchard has been a valuable contributor off the bench. The Celtics have impressive offensive and defensive rankings, showcasing their strength on both ends of the court. Although facing challenges due to injuries, Boston remains a competitive team with a strong lineup and solid performances in the playoffs.

New York Knicks Analysis

The New York Knicks have a crucial Game 6 opportunity to eliminate the defending champions and avoid a Game 7 in Boston. The winner will face the Pacers in the next round with home court advantage. Josh Hart led the team with 24 points in the previous game, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been key players throughout the postseason. The Knicks have settled on a 7-man rotation, with a strong offensive ranking and solid defense. The team faces a Game time decision with Precious Achiuwa's injury. Overall, the Knicks have a power ranking of 10 and are ranked 12th in offense and 9th in defense.

Las Vegas Oddsmakers Show Uncertainty in New York Team's Playoff Series

There is a noticeable lack of consensus among oddsmakers in Las Vegas regarding the New York team, resulting in a variety of perplexing betting lines for the public to consider. The New York Knicks are currently listed at +500 to make it to the NBA Finals, while the Boston Celtics are listed at +1700, indicating a strong inclination from Vegas towards the Knicks in this series. Despite the Knicks being favored to win Game 6 at home, with only a 2.5-point spread, it is recommended to take advantage of this opportunity without hesitation. With the absence of their top scorer, rebounder, and playmaker in Tatum, the Celtics will face challenges in shot creation late in the game, relying heavily on Brown and White. The Knicks' aggressive defensive style and the energized atmosphere at Madison Square Garden suggest a favorable outcome for New York both in terms of winning and covering the spread.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]