The New York Knicks come into tonight’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the defending champion Boston Celtics after prevailing in a brutal first-round battle with the Detroit Pistons.
Given that the Knicks were the No. 3 seed in the East, their struggle against Detroit was tougher than expected. But the Pistons were a gritty opponent and had won the regular-season series against the Knicks.
New York’s hope now is that the playoffs will once again deliver a different outcome compared to the regular season — this time against Boston.
Boston’s Regular Season Dominance
The Celtics utterly dominated the Knicks during the regular season, sweeping all four games, including a blowout on opening night that set the tone for the Knicks’ struggles against the NBA’s elite.
Boston’s biggest offensive strength is its three-point shooting. Both the Celtics and Knicks averaged just under 37% from behind the arc during the regular season, ranking near the bottom of the NBA’s top ten.
But Boston led the league by a wide margin in three-point attempts, launching 48 per game — with over half of their total field goal attempts coming from deep.
Knicks Need to Follow the Magic Playbook
In the playoffs, their offensive profile has shifted, with roughly four fewer threes and overall shot attempts per game.
As a result, Boston’s scoring has dipped to 106.4 points per game, down from 116.3 in the regular season — largely thanks to the gritty defense of the Orlando Magic, who fell to the Celtics in five games but made them work for it.
For the Knicks, following Orlando’s defensive blueprint — chasing shooters off the three-point line, limiting help rotations, and forcing Boston into lower-efficiency mid-range shots — will be key.
OG and Mitch May Decide This Game
OG Anunoby will play a critical role tonight, likely drawing the assignment of guarding Jayson Tatum. The Knicks hope he can replicate the stellar defensive job he did against Cade Cunningham in the first round.
Mitchell Robinson could also be a difference-maker. Expect him to log extra minutes to help defend Boston’s pick-and-roll attack.
The Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Towns in a preseason trade to boost their offense — especially their three-point shooting — but it has come at a cost: their perimeter defense has slipped.
Both Towns and Jalen Brunson struggle defending the pick and roll, and Robinson’s late-season return just in time for the playoffs may prove decisive in helping to limit one of Boston’s most potent offensive weapons.
Expect the Celtics to prevail tonight at home in Game 1, but the Knicks are capable of stealing a game or two in this series — especially if their defense steps up.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Tonight’s Knicks-Celtics game tips off just after 7:00 PM Eastern. The game airs live on TNT and streams on the TNT website and app as well as Max.
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Date and Time: Monday, May 5, 2025, 7:00 PM Eastern
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
Knicks-Celtics: NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Schedule and Tickets
Game 1: Monday, May 5, 2025, 7:00 PM Eastern — New York Knicks at Boston Celtics | Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA | TICKETS
Game 2: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 7:00 PM Eastern — New York Knicks at Boston Celtics | Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA | TICKETS
Game 3: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 3:30 PM Eastern — Boston Celtics at New York Knicks | Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | TICKETS
Game 4: Monday, May 12, 2025, 7:30 PM Eastern — Boston Celtics at New York Knicks | Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | TICKETS
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Time TBD — New York Knicks at Boston Celtics | Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA | TICKETS
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, May 16, 2025, 8:00 PM Eastern — Boston Celtics at New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics | Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | TICKETS
Game 7 (if necessary): Monday, May 19, 2025, 8:00 PM Eastern — New York Knicks at Boston Celtics | Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA | TICKETS
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