The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on Friday, May 16, with a critical Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, looking to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Before previewing tonight’s game, here’s a recap of Thursday’s action and an updated look at the playoff bracket.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoffs Bracket
On Thursday, the Denver Nuggets forced a Game 7 in their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Minnesota Timberwolves await the winner of that series in the Western Conference Finals.
In the East, the Indiana Pacers have already advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they will face either the Knicks or the Celtics.
Thursday, May 15 – Game Recap
Denver Nuggets 119, Oklahoma City Thunder 107
Series tied 3–3
Facing elimination, the Nuggets defied the odds to defeat the Thunder 119–107 in Game 6 and tie the series at three games apiece.
The situation called for all hands on deck, and Denver finally got its supporting cast to step up. Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. But he got plenty of help from Jamal Murray — who, despite battling illness, added 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists — and Christian Braun, who put up 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Julian Strawther chipped in 15 points off the bench — all in the second half. And even Michael Porter Jr. contributed 10 points.
After multiple lead changes in the first, Denver broke the game open with a 32–21 third quarter and never looked back.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points on 11 of 16 shooting from the field, but it was an off night for Jalen Williams, who only scored six points on three of 16 shooting. Altogether
Oklahoma City struggled to match Denver’s interior presence and rebounding. They also struggled from behind the arc, shooting a dismal 27.5% from three-point range.
The series now heads to Oklahoma City for Game 7, with a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line.
Friday, May 16 – Game Preview
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
Knicks lead series 3–2
The Knicks get their second chance to knock out the Celtics — and this time at home at Madison Square Garden.
In Game 5 in Boston, New York reverted to bad habits on defense, struggling to keep pace with the Celtics’ frenetic ball movement and with its top stars getting into early foul trouble. The Knicks need to get their defensive rotations in order and regain their offensive poise.
Karl-Anthony Towns must be more aggressive on the offensive front and smarter with his defense, leveraging his height in the paint and strength over Luke Kornet. In this series, it’s not only been Jalen Brunson, who has been decisive in their victory, but it’s also been the supporting cast: OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
Simply put, when those two are on late in the game, the Knicks win. When they’re not, the Knicks lose.
Boston, of course, will again be without Jayson Tatum, who is out for the remainder of the postseason, but they showed in Game 5 that they can dominate without him. They have an offensive system that simply works, and players who are fine-tuned to make the most out of it.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown will continue to lead the charge, while Luke Kornet anchors the paint. The Celtics will look to recreate the same ball movement and spacing that shredded the Knicks’ defense in Game 5.
But expect the Knicks to get it together and win this one at home.
Series Prediction: Knicks in six.
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app and website, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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