On May 13, 2025, the Madison Square Garden will host a high-stakes Game 4 as the Boston Celtics take on the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs. Fresh off a critical Game 3 victory, the Celtics have narrowed the series deficit to 2-1, driven by Jayson Tatum’s 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. The star forward, central to the reigning champions’ campaign, is confirmed to play, with no injuries listed in the team’s latest medical report. Boston aims to level the series at 2-2 in this pivotal matchup.
The series has reignited one of the NBA’s fiercest rivalries, with the Knicks stunning Boston by stealing the first two games at TD Garden. The Game 3 win has restored momentum for the Celtics, who now face the challenge of playing on the road. Sam Hauser, sidelined by an ankle injury, is the only player listed on Boston’s injury report.
- Game spotlight: Tatum remains the cornerstone of Boston’s offensive strategy.
- Venue details: Madison Square Garden, New York, at 7:30 PM ET.
- Series status: Knicks lead 2-1, making Game 4 a turning point.
With Tatum in the lineup and the Knicks at full strength, Game 4 promises to shape the trajectory of this tightly contested series.
Celtics’ injury status
The Boston Celtics head into Game 4 with a relatively clean bill of health. Jayson Tatum, the team’s offensive engine, is absent from the injury report, ensuring his place in the starting lineup. Throughout the regular season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, underscoring his critical role. His Game 3 performance, while not his most efficient, was pivotal in securing a 114-103 victory.
Sam Hauser, a valuable reserve known for his three-point shooting, is the only confirmed absence due to a right ankle sprain. Hauser, averaging 7.8 points per game this season, leaves a gap in Boston’s perimeter attack, potentially increasing the workload for players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. The Knicks, conversely, report no injuries, with key players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby fully available.
The Celtics’ depth will be tested, but Tatum’s health provides a significant boost for the road game.
Tatum’s performance in the series
Jayson Tatum has been the linchpin for the Celtics, though his efficiency has varied in the series. In Game 1, a 108-105 overtime loss, he scored 23 points and grabbed 16 rebounds but struggled with Boston’s record-setting 15-of-60 three-point shooting. Game 2, a narrow 91-90 defeat, saw Tatum contribute 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, but he converted only 5 of 19 shots.
Game 3 marked a turnaround. Tatum tallied 22 points, hitting 5 of 10 three-pointers, and led the team with 7 assists. His ability to impact multiple facets—scoring, rebounding, and playmaking—remains crucial, especially against the Knicks’ aggressive defense led by Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
- Series averages: 19.3 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists per game.
- Shooting efficiency: 40% field goals in Game 3, up from 28.6% in Games 1-2.
- Playoff pedigree: Tatum averages 26.8 points in postseason career.
Tatum’s consistency will be key for Boston to tie the series on the road.
Celtics-Knicks rivalry renewed
The Celtics-Knicks series has reignited a historic NBA rivalry. Boston swept the regular-season matchups, winning all three games by an average of 21 points. However, the playoffs have painted a different picture, with the Knicks pulling off upsets in Games 1 and 2 at TD Garden, a rare feat for a visiting team against the Celtics.
Led by Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have shown resilience. In Game 1, a 21-2 third-quarter run turned the tide, while in Game 2, Brunson and Bridges delivered clutch plays to secure a one-point victory. New York’s defense, which holds opponents to 103.9 points per game over the last 10 matchups, has been a cornerstone of their success.
Boston responded in Game 3, draining 20 three-pointers, with Payton Pritchard leading the way off the bench with 23 points. The Celtics’ ability to adapt defensively and sustain their long-range shooting will be critical at Madison Square Garden.
Supporting cast steps up
With Sam Hauser sidelined, Boston’s supporting players must elevate their game. Payton Pritchard emerged as a star in Game 3, scoring 23 points and hitting 5 of 8 three-pointers. Derrick White added 17 points, while 38-year-old Al Horford contributed 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Jaylen Brown, with 19 points, also played a key role, showing recovery from a knee injury sustained earlier in the playoffs.
Kristaps Porzingis, limited by illness in Games 1 and 2, was more active in Game 3, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. His presence in the paint is vital against Karl-Anthony Towns, who averages 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in the series. Boston’s depth, even without Hauser, keeps them competitive.
- Pritchard’s breakout: 23 points in Game 3, with 5-of-8 from three.
- Horford’s reliability: Veteran shot 6-of-9 in the last game.
- White’s versatility: 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in Game 3.
The balance between stars and role players will be decisive for the Celtics in Game 4.
Knicks’ home court advantage
Madison Square Garden has been a fortress for the Knicks. During the regular season, New York posted a 27-13 home record, and their playoff crowd has created an intimidating atmosphere. In Game 3, despite the loss, the Knicks showed fight, with Brunson scoring 24 points and Josh Hart grabbing 15 rebounds.
New York’s defense, which leads the NBA with 8.8 steals per game over the last 10 contests, has disrupted Boston’s rhythm. Mikal Bridges forced a crucial turnover on Tatum in Game 2, showcasing his elite defensive skills. The Knicks’ 49.3% field goal percentage in the series has kept them in contention.
OG Anunoby, with 29 points in Game 1, adds versatility, defending multiple positions and scoring in clutch moments. His role in Tom Thibodeau’s system is pivotal.
Tatum’s injury history
Jayson Tatum has been remarkably durable, missing only four regular-season games. In the first round, he suffered a bone bruise on his right wrist in Game 1 against the Orlando Magic, which listed him as questionable for Game 2. Tatum returned for Game 3, dropping _SUPPORTING CAST STEPS UP36 points, and has since shown no lingering issues.
In April 2025, Tatum dealt with a left ankle sprain but recovered swiftly. His absence from the Game 4 injury report is a relief for Boston, especially with Hauser out. Tatum’s ability to perform at an elite level despite minor setbacks highlights his value to the team.
- Wrist injury: Suffered in Game 1 vs. Magic, resolved by Game 3.
- Ankle sprain: Cleared before the playoffs began.
- Durability: Played 72 of 82 regular-season games.
Tatum’s health ensures Boston’s best chance in the crucial Game 4.
Tactical adjustments for Game 4
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla will likely emphasize three-point shooting, which proved effective in Game 3 with 20-of-42 makes. Sustaining that efficiency against Bridges and Anunoby’s perimeter defense is critical. Boston must also reduce turnovers, as the Knicks capitalized on 12 in Game 2.
For the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau will aim to limit Tatum’s paint penetration, where he has thrived on drives. New York’s big men, Towns and Isaiah Hartenstein, need to dominate the boards, as Boston averages 48.9 rebounds per game in the series. Offensively, Brunson’s playmaking in clutch moments will be key.
Both teams have shown adaptability. Boston’s defensive intensity from Game 3 must carry over, while the Knicks will lean on their home crowd to regain control.
Madison Square Garden’s atmosphere
The Madison Square Garden crowd is a game-changer. With a capacity of 19,812, the arena has been packed for playoff games, creating iconic moments. The Knicks’ 27-13 home record in the regular season reflects the boost from their fans, who fueled comebacks like the Game 2 win.
Boston, with a 27-7 road record in the regular season, faces a tough test. The Knicks’ ability to upset the Celtics at TD Garden shows their potential to dominate at home. Tatum and his teammates will need to stay composed under pressure.
- Arena capacity: 19,812 fans, expected to sell out.
- Knicks’ home record: 27-13 in the regular season.
- Boston’s challenge: Overcoming the hostile crowd.
Game 4 will test the Celtics’ resilience in one of the NBA’s most storied venues.
Jaylen Brown’s contributions
Jaylen Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, has been a vital complement to Tatum. In Game 3, he scored 19 points and added 5 assists, showing progress after a knee injury limited him earlier in the playoffs. Brown, who received injections for the injury, reported feeling stronger, a positive sign for Boston.
Brown’s defense on Brunson has been effective, holding the Knicks’ guard to 3-of-9 shooting in Game 3. His ability to guard wings and guards gives Boston flexibility. Brown also averages 7.5 rebounds per game in the series, bolstering the team’s interior presence.
The Tatum-Brown duo, instrumental in the 2024 title, will be critical in Game 4, especially without Hauser.
Significance of Game 4
Game 4 is a make-or-break moment. A Celtics win would tie the series at 2-2, shifting momentum back to TD Garden. A Knicks victory would give them a commanding 3-1 lead, a deficit Boston would struggle to overcome.
The Celtics have a strong playoff track record, with Tatum playing 114 consecutive postseason games before his lone absence in Game 2 against the Magic. Veterans like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday, 2024 champions, provide stability. The Knicks, however, have shown they can upset the odds, with their road wins and healthy roster boosting confidence.
The outcome of Game 4 will set the tone for the rest of the series.
Key moments in the series
The series has delivered intense moments. In Game 1, Boston set a playoff record for futility, missing 45 three-pointers, yet pushed the game to overtime. Game 2 saw Bridges force a Tatum turnover on the final play, securing a one-point Knicks win. In Game 3, Boston’s 20 three-pointers and balanced scoring from five players in double digits showcased their depth.
Tatum’s fiery exchange with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the first round carried into this series, with both players receiving technicals in Game 4 against the Magic. Tatum’s competitive edge, praised by Mazzulla, will be vital against the Knicks.
- Three-point woes: 45 misses in Game 1 set a playoff record.
- Clutch defense: Bridges’ stop on Tatum sealed Game 2.
- Boston’s response: 20 three-pointers in Game 3 fueled the win.