Celtics vs. Knicks Game 4 Preview: Boston Looks to Even Series at Madison Square Garden

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May 12, 2025 | Madison Square Garden, New York City

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics picks, predictions: Who wins Game 4 of NBA playoffs? — **Celtics vs. Knicks** (**Game 4 preview**)

Knicks vs Celtics picks, predictions: Who wins Game 4 of NBA playoffs?

Celtics vs. Knicks Game 4 tips off Monday night as the Boston Celtics look to even their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the New York Knicks at 2–2. After a commanding 115–93 win in Game 3, the Celtics aim to carry that momentum into Madison Square Garden with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN or stream it through the ESPN app.

Celtics Regain Their Identity

Entering Game 3 down 2–0, the Celtics responded with urgency and purpose. Boston imposed its will from the outset, jumping to a 36–20 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The Celtics’ defense tightened, limiting New York’s offensive options while their outside shooting erupted.

Backup guard Payton Pritchard led Boston with 23 points off the bench, while stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 38. Kristaps Porziņģis, returning from a minor knee issue, added 13 points and 8 rebounds in limited minutes.

Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s response.

“Our guys showed the type of composure and intensity we’ve talked about all season,” Mazzulla said postgame. “That first quarter set the tone.”

The Celtics shot 20-of-40 from three-point range and out-rebounded New York 52–39. Their ability to create second-chance opportunities and dictate tempo was a stark contrast to their performance in Games 1 and 2.

Knicks Seek to Bounce Back Behind Brunson, Towns

For the Knicks, Game 3 represented a missed opportunity. Despite another strong outing from Jalen Brunson (27 points), New York struggled to match Boston’s pace and physicality. The Knicks shot just 40% from the field and 20% from beyond the arc.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 10 rebounds, but New York’s supporting cast failed to deliver. Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson all had quiet outings as the Celtics clogged the paint and forced contested looks.

“We didn’t execute,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “Boston dictated every aspect of that game. We have to be better in every phase — energy, execution, rebounding, shot selection.”

The Knicks will look to rediscover their defensive grit and capitalize on home-court advantage once again. Prior to Game 3, New York had won seven consecutive playoff games at MSG dating back to 2023.

Projected Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics

PG: Derrick White
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Al Horford
C: Kristaps Porziņģis

New York Knicks

PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Mikal Bridges
SF: Josh Hart
PF: Karl-Anthony Towns
C: Mitchell Robinson

Key Matchups to Watch

Jayson Tatum vs. Josh Hart
Hart has drawn the bulk of the defensive assignment on Tatum, but foul trouble and early mismatches in Game 3 allowed the Celtics star to find his rhythm. New York may look to send additional help defensively to disrupt Tatum’s isolation game and keep him off the free-throw line.

Jalen Brunson vs. Celtics’ Perimeter Defenders
Boston employed a rotation of defenders — including Derrick White and Jaylen Brown — to slow Brunson’s scoring lanes. Containing his mid-range creation will again be a top priority if the Celtics want to control the Knicks’ offensive tempo.

Paint Presence: Robinson/Towns vs. Horford/Porziņģis
New York must be more aggressive inside. Boston won the rebounding battle in Game 3 and scored 46 points in the paint, exploiting the Knicks’ lack of interior resistance. Towns will need to improve his lateral quickness defensively, while Robinson must control the glass.

Injury Report (Game 4 – May 12, 2025)

The Boston Celtics will once again be without veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon, who remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Brogdon has not appeared in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and is not expected to return in the near term. However, there is better news for Boston fans as Kristaps Porziņģis is listed as probable for Game 4. The star center has been dealing with knee soreness but played limited minutes in Game 3 and is expected to suit up again tonight.

For the New York Knicks, OG Anunoby remains out with a lingering hamstring issue that has kept him off the court for the entirety of the series so far. His defensive presence and three-point shooting have been sorely missed. Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury suffered late in Game 2. His availability will be determined closer to tip-off, and his potential absence could further limit New York’s backcourt depth.

Betting Odds and Market Trends (via DraftKings and FanDuel)

The betting odds for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals continue to show strong support for the top-seeded Boston Celtics. According to the latest lines from DraftKings and FanDuel, Boston enters Monday’s matchup as a 6.5-point favorite over the New York Knicks. The moneyline reflects similar sentiment, with the Celtics listed at -253 and the Knicks at +205.

The total points over/under (O/U) is currently set at 209, indicating that oddsmakers are expecting a relatively moderate scoring affair, especially when factoring in the defensive prowess of both squads.

Boston is favored for the second consecutive game on the road, a clear indication of the market’s continued confidence in the No. 1 seed. However, it’s worth noting that the Knicks have been resilient at home, having covered the spread in six of their last eight games at Madison Square Garden. This trend could make New York an attractive underdog pick for bettors seeking value.

How to Watch Game 4: Celtics vs. Knicks

Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV Network: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN App, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream

Fans can catch the highly anticipated Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks live on ESPN. Coverage begins at 7:30 PM Eastern from the iconic Madison Square Garden.

For viewers preferring to stream the action, several digital platforms offer live access to the broadcast through ESPN’s channel lineup, including:

ESPN App (with a valid TV provider login)
FuboTV – includes ESPN in its package
YouTube TV – offers live ESPN coverage
Hulu + Live TV – includes ESPN as part of its streaming bundle
Sling TV – ESPN available in select packages
DirecTV Stream – carries ESPN live

Please ensure your subscription includes ESPN and check for any regional restrictions that may apply.

For those looking to experience the game in person, tickets for Game 4 at Madison Square Garden are available through major ticket platforms such as Vivid Seats. As of the latest reports, entry prices begin around $520, excluding fees.

Don’t miss what promises to be another intense battle as the Knicks aim to defend home court and the Celtics seek to even the series.

What’s at Stake

The Celtics risk falling behind 3–1 in the series, which would put them on the brink of elimination heading back to Boston. For the Knicks, a win would give them a commanding lead and the chance to clinch a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals — something the franchise hasn’t achieved since 2000.

Expert Predictions

Jayson Tatum’s Leadership

Tatum’s leadership and efficiency will be critical. After an inconsistent start to the series, his performance in Game 3 suggested a turning point.

Knicks’ Depth Concerns

With OG Anunoby still sidelined and DiVincenzo a game-time decision, the Knicks may once again rely heavily on their starters. Fatigue could be a factor in the fourth quarter.