2024/2025 NBA May 17 Betting Predictions
The Eastern Conference Semifinals are heating up as the Boston Celtics trail the New York Knicks 3-2 in the series. Game 6 is set to take place at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks have a chance to close out the series, while the Celtics aim to force a decisive Game 7 without Tatum on the court.
Celtics at Knicks (Game 6, NY leads series 3-2)
The Celtics bounced back in Game 5 with a commanding 127-102 victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Despite the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Boston showcased resilience. Derrick White led the charge with 34 points, including seven 3-pointers. Jaylen Brown contributed 17 points on 63.6% shooting, stepping up as the team's primary scorer.
Boston's bench also played a crucial role, with Luke Kornet delivering 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks, providing a significant defensive presence. The Celtics' ability to adapt without Tatum and their strong perimeter shooting will be vital as they head into a hostile environment for Game 6.
Even without Tatum, Boston still ranks top 3 in postseason offensive efficiency and continues to generate high-quality shots through ball movement (26 assists in Game 5). The question is whether their supporting cast can deliver again under MSG pressure in Game 6.
The Knicks head back to Madison Square Garden with a 3-2 series lead, needing one more win to knock off the defending champs. Jalen Brunson has been a machine this postseason, averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He had a quieter Game 5 by his standards (23 points on 9/18 shooting), but he remains the heart of New York's offence.
New York struggled from deep in Game 5 (9-of-30, 30%), and their defence couldn't contain Boston’s perimeter game. Still, their home form has been excellent. With OG Anunoby and Julius Randle still out, the Knicks are relying heavily on their grit, rebounding, and late-game execution.
New York is 3-0 at home in this series, and their defence tends to tighten up under the MSG lights — they’re allowing just 101.8 PPG at home in the playoffs, compared to over 110 on the road.
Stadium Record
New York are 5-5 in their last 10 at home. Boston holds a 6-4 record at this venue in their last 10 games.
Head to Head Record
The Knicks lead 3-2 in this playoff series, but Boston leads the head-to-head 6-4 in the last 10.
Best Bet
This is a tough game to predict as the Celtics showed they can win without Tatum in Game 5 on home court. But it will be tougher in New York in a hostile environment. So I prefer to go the Over, which has saluted in the last 2 games. The total in Game 5 at this venue was 234 pts, so 209.5 pts looks achievable.
Same Game Multi
Brown had his best scoring output in Game 5 with 26 pts, and it comes without Tatum on the court. So I think he can get over 25 pts in Game 6 too. White has been on fire from 3, hitting 6 and 7 in his last 2 games. Take him to get 4 or more.
Over 209.5 pts / D. White 4+ threes / Jalen Brown 25+ pts = $3.80
