The Boston Celtics head to the Big Apple hoping to dodge elimination for the second straight time when they visit the New York Knicks in Game 6 of this Eastern Conference semifinal.
While completing the comeback without star Jayson Tatum is a lofty goal, my Celtics vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks see Jrue Holiday playing his part in an improbable rally on Friday, May 16.
Who will win Celtics vs Knicks Game 6?
Books have this pegged as a one-possession game and while the Knicks have home court, you can never underestimate the heart of a champion — even if Tatum is missing. The Celtics are live underdogs in Game 6.
Celtics vs Knicks prediction
My best bet: Jrue Holiday Over 4.5 rebounds (-115 at bet365)
Jrue Holiday packed the box score with an all-around effort in Game 5, scoring 14 points while snatching seven rebounds and dishing out three assists.
With Jayson Tatum out of action, there’s a surplus of shots and rebounding chances to go around.
Holiday averaged 9.3 rebounding chance in the first four games of the series and surpassed 4.5 boards only once with six rebounds in Game 1, averaging 3.75 boards in that span.
With Tatum out and the Boston Celtics’ rotation getting a shake-up in Game 5, the advanced metrics shot up to 16.0 rebounding chances in Game 5. Holiday pulled down seven rebounds, including two on the offensive end.
Not only is Boston missing Tatum’s length on the glass, but 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis has been very limited against the New York Knicks due to a lingering illness. He played just 12 minutes on Tuesday, and coach Joe Mazzulla said Porzingis was “having difficulties breathing,” leaving the Celtics to run smaller when not utilizing reserve center Luke Kornet.
That smaller lineup boosts Holiday's impact on the glass. Game 6 projections sit between 4.3 and 5.4 rebounds from Holiday, with my number just shy of five boards.
Celtics vs Knicks same-game parlay
Jrue Holiday 5+ rebounds
Jrue Holiday 10+ points
Jaylen Brown 3+ 3-pointers
Holiday’s rebounding chances spiked to 16.0 in Game 5, resulting in seven boards from Boston’s veteran guard.
Game 6 projections range from 11.5 to close to 13 points from Holiday, who left points on the table with three missed FTAs in Game 5.
Jaylen Brown hit his first three 3-point attempts in Game 5, finishing 3-for-5 from deep. If Boston gets behind on the road, he could be pressing from the perimeter in Game 6.
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Celtics vs Knicks odds
Celtics vs Knicks live odds
Celtics vs Knicks opening odds
- Spread: Boston +2.5 | New York -2.5
- Moneyline: Boston +115 | New York -127
- Over/Under: Over 209.5 | Under 209.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Celtics vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
• Oddsmakers opened New York as a 2.5-point home favorite following the Game 5 loss in Boston. That’s stayed put at most books, with some shops down to Knicks -2.
• The Over/Under total opened at 209.5 and jumped to 210 with initial play on the Over, as the Celtics seem to have their shooting touch back. The first five games of the series have produced a 2-2-1 O/U count.
• According to Covers Consensus, 53% of picks are taking the points with the Celtics while 65% of total picks believe the game will go Over.
Celtics vs Knicks trend
Home favorites of less than three points (-2.5 to -0.5) are 4-5 SU and just 3-6 ATS so far this postseason. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Knicks.
How to watch Celtics vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Friday, 5-16-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Celtics vs Knicks latest injuries
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