Celtics vs. Knicks: Game 6 Preview, Predictions, Where to Watch

The New York Knicks get a second chance tonight to knock out the Boston Celtics — and this time at Madison Square Garden.

Though leading the Eastern Conference Semifinals series 3–2, this is a must-win game for the Knicks. The pressure of winning a Game 7 on the road in Boston would be too much for this team, though it’s excelled at winning away from home in these playoffs.

The upside to victory tonight is huge. New York can secure its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. The city is starving for a championship. The last time a major New York City team won a championship was the New York Giants in 2012. The Yankees’ drought goes back to 2009. And for the Knicks, it goes back even further — to 1973.

The defending champion Celtics, though without star forward Jayson Tatum, have the discipline and muscle memory to power themselves through adversity.

The Knicks have the depth to win tonight. They simply need to get their act together, guarding Boston better on threes, avoiding foul trouble, and hitting open shots.

New York can’t afford off nights from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges on both ends of the court. While Jalen Brunson carried them through round one against the Detroit Pistons, defeating Boston requires an all-team effort. After all, that’s how the Celtics play, with seemingly marginal players like Luke Kornet making big impacts, and Derrick White outscoring Jaylen Brown.

Karl-Anthony Towns will have to leverage his height and strength — and make smart decisions on defense.

Expect the Knicks to wake up tonight before a raucous crowd at the Garden and send Boston home.

Series Prediction: Knicks in six.

How to Watch Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Tonight’s Celtics-Knicks game tips off just after 8:00 PM Eastern. The game airs live on ESPN and streams on the ESPN app and website.