The New York Knicks need just one more win to clinch their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. And the odds are overwhelmingly in their favor as they face the Boston Celtics tonight in Game 5 at TD Garden without Jayson Tatum, leading the series 3-1.
The Celtics will rely on shooting guard Jaylen Brown tonight to carry the team, but it’s a burden he likely cannot bear as he’s dealing with injuries of his own. Brown was able to lead the Celtics during the regular season with Tatum out, but these circumstances are different.
Brown’s efficiency has dropped off in this series with the Knicks — he’s shooting just 38% from the field.
The Knicks have figured out how to handle the Celtics in the game’s final stretch, and after going winless against Boston in the regular season, they won three against them this postseason. The quarters when the Celtics have dominated have certainly been team efforts, but it’s ultimately been Tatum who’s been the difference maker.
Speaking of different makers, Jalen Brunson has been playing on another level, averaging 30.1 points and 8 assists per game in the playoffs. But he had help from Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson in key stretches, including in the closing minutes, when it matters the most in this series.
The next could come out to a sloppy start to tonight’s game, but expect them to close out their fourth win in game five at TD Garden.
Series Prediction: Knicks in five.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Tonight’s Knicks-Celtics game tips off at 7:00 PM Eastern. The game will be broadcast live on TNT and available for streaming on the TNT website and app, as well as FuboTV.
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 7:00 PM Eastern
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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