The storied rivalry between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics reignites on Monday, May 12, 2025, captivating basketball fans worldwide. Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in the NBA playoffs, set for 8:30 PM ET at Madison Square Garden in New York, promises high stakes. With the Knicks leading the series 2-1, this matchup is pivotal for both teams. The electric atmosphere of the iconic arena, combined with a legacy of unforgettable clashes, fuels anticipation for another thrilling chapter.
Stars like Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ cornerstone, and Jayson Tatum, Boston’s leading scorer, headline the showdown. After a commanding Celtics win in Game 3, New York faces pressure to reclaim momentum on their home court. Tickets sold out within minutes, leaving fans scrambling for viewing options. Live broadcasts on major platforms ensure no one misses the action.
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Competition: 2024/25 NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Broadcast: ESPN 2, Disney+, NBA League Pass
Historic rivalry enters new phase
The Knicks-Celtics rivalry, dating back to the 1940s, is steeped in tradition. Boston holds a 308-190 edge in regular-season matchups, with a 36-32 advantage in playoff games. Yet, the Knicks stunned Boston in 2013, winning a first-round series 4-2 behind Carmelo Anthony’s heroics.
In the 2024/25 regular season, the Celtics swept all four games against the Knicks, averaging a 16.3-point margin. Their three-point shooting was a key factor, with Boston sinking 39 more threes than New York. Still, the Knicks have shown playoff grit, taking Games 1 and 2, including a 20-point comeback in the opener.
Where to watch live
Fans have multiple ways to catch Knicks vs Celtics live. ESPN 2 will air the game with English commentary, while Disney+ offers high-definition streaming. The NBA League Pass provides access with original audio and on-demand replays.
For those seeking a communal experience, bars like The Fours in Boston and The Greatest Bar in New York feature large screens and game-day specials. At Madison Square Garden, pre-game sponsor activations and high-definition displays enhance the fan experience.
- TV Channels: ESPN 2
- Streaming: Disney+, NBA League Pass
- Alternative Venues: The Fours (Boston), Halftime Pizza (Boston)
- NBA League Pass Features: Replays, real-time stats
Projected lineups
The Knicks rely on a solidified starting five. Jalen Brunson, averaging 27 points per game in the series, anchors the offense. Karl-Anthony Towns, the team’s new center, posted 21 points and 15 rebounds in Game 3 despite minor hand discomfort. The probable lineup is:
- Jalen Brunson (point guard)
- Josh Hart (shooting guard)
- Mikal Bridges (small forward)
- OG Anunoby (power forward)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (center)
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum aims to replicate his Game 3 performance, scoring 22 points and hitting 5 of 9 three-pointers. Jaylen Brown, with 19 points and nine assists in the last game, remains a versatile threat. Boston’s likely lineup includes:
- Jrue Holiday (point guard)
- Derrick White (shooting guard)
- Jaylen Brown (small forward)
- Jayson Tatum (power forward)
- Al Horford (center)
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau plans to leverage Towns’ physicality in the paint, while Boston’s Joe Mazzulla focuses on containing Brunson. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s center, is questionable due to illness but expected to play.
Game 4 predictions and odds
Oddsmakers favor the Celtics, with betting lines at 1.38 versus 3.00 for the Knicks, per Betnacional. However, the Madison Square Garden crowd could tilt the scales. Three-point shooting and perimeter defense will likely decide the outcome.
In Game 3, Boston shot 20 of 40 from beyond the arc, while the Knicks struggled at 25% in the series. Analysts note New York must boost offensive efficiency and limit Boston’s fast-break opportunities.
- Key Factors: Three-point accuracy, perimeter defense, rebounding
- Players to Watch: Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
- Prediction: Close game, potential overtime
Tickets and Madison Square Garden vibe
Tickets for Game 4 are nearly sold out, with prices ranging from $100 for upper-level seats to $500 for courtside views. Madison Square Garden, seating 19,156, expects a raucous crowd pushing the Knicks to hold their series lead.
Nearby bars like The Fours offer big screens for fans without tickets. Sponsor activations, including giveaways and contests, energize the pre-game atmosphere. The historic rivalry amplifies the intensity, with fans exchanging chants and jabs.
Weather forecast for New York
New York’s weather for Game 4 is partly cloudy, with evening temperatures between 59°F and 64°F. No rain is expected, ensuring comfort for fans heading to Madison Square Garden. A slight chill may call for light jackets at outdoor venues.
Inside the arena, climate control keeps conditions ideal, but the passionate crowd is set to make the venue feel like a furnace, as seen in past playoff games.
Top scorers and series standouts
Jalen Brunson paces the Knicks with 27 points and eight assists per game in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns, in his playoff debut with New York, averages 20 points and 10 rebounds. For Boston, Jayson Tatum’s 22-point Game 3 marked a rebound from earlier struggles, though he averages 18 points overall.
Jaylen Brown, with 19 points and nine assists in Game 3, bolsters Boston’s attack. Reserve Payton Pritchard stunned with a career-high 23 points off the bench in the last game.
- Knicks Leaders: Jalen Brunson (27 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (15 rebounds)
- Celtics Leaders: Jayson Tatum (22 points in Game 3), Jaylen Brown (9 assists)
- Breakout Star: Payton Pritchard (23 points in Game 3)
Recent head-to-head results
The last five Knicks-Celtics games reflect Boston’s regular-season dominance, winning all four matchups. In the playoffs, however, the Knicks took Games 1 (120-117, overtime) and 2 (91-90, decided by Brunson’s free throws). Boston responded with a 115-93 rout in Game 3.
The Knicks’ last playoff home win over Boston was in 2013, an 88-80 victory in Game 6. The teams’ playoff history remains tightly contested, with momentum shifting rapidly.
Last five games for each team
The Knicks enter Game 4 with three wins in their last five games, including the first two against Boston. They advanced past the Detroit Pistons 4-2 in the first round, led by Brunson. Recent results:
- Knicks 120 vs 117 Celtics (win, Game 1)
- Knicks 91 vs 90 Celtics (win, Game 2)
- Celtics 115 vs 93 Knicks (loss, Game 3)
- Knicks 112 vs 108 Pistons (win, Game 6)
- Pistons 105 vs 102 Knicks (loss, Game 5)
The Celtics boast four wins in their last five, including a 4-1 series victory over the Orlando Magic. Their recent games:
- Celtics 115 vs 93 Knicks (win, Game 3)
- Knicks 91 vs 90 Celtics (loss, Game 2)
- Knicks 120 vs 117 Celtics (loss, Game 1)
- Celtics 108 vs 103 Magic (win, Game 5)
- Magic 99 vs 95 Celtics (loss, Game 4)
Officiating and technical details
The officiating crew for Game 4 remains unconfirmed, but a seasoned trio is expected given the game’s magnitude. Prior games saw consistent calls, though Knicks coach Thibodeau questioned some foul decisions in Game 3. Boston committed 15 fouls in Game 2, compared to 12 for New York.
Physicality in the paint, especially between Towns and Al Horford, will test the referees’ control. Consistent officiating is critical in a series marked by tight margins.
Game trivia
The Knicks-Celtics rivalry is among the NBA’s oldest, with iconic battles dating to the 1940s. Legends like Bill Russell (Celtics) and Walt Frazier (Knicks) defined the 1970s matchups. In 2013, New York’s road win at TD Garden sparked a rare playoff upset.
Jayson Tatum’s struggles against the Knicks contrast with his 37-point outbursts against Orlando. Madison Square Garden’s star-studded crowd, often including Spike Lee, adds to the game’s allure.
- First Matchup: 1946, Celtics victory
- Knicks’ Biggest Win: 88-80, 2013 playoffs
- Frequent Celebrities: Spike Lee, Chris Pine, Ben Stiller
- Tatum’s Peak: 37 points in three straight games (vs Orlando)
Road performance
Boston excels away from home, winning 11 of their last 13 road games since March 15. Their Game 3 dominance showcased their comfort on the Knicks’ court. Conversely, New York has lost six straight conference semifinal road games but broke through with a Game 1 win in Boston.
The Celtics’ 50% three-point shooting in Game 3 contrasts with the Knicks’ 25% series average, highlighting a critical area for improvement.
Coaching strategies
Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks’ defensive-minded coach, adjusted practices post-Game 3 to address defensive lapses and boost shooting. He aims to maximize Towns’ presence inside and free Brunson for mid-range shots.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston’s coach, emphasizes ball movement and aggressive perimeter defense. He credited Game 3’s three-point barrage to better spacing and plans to limit Brunson’s drives. Porzingis’ potential return could bolster Boston’s interior defense.
Fan excitement and local buzz
New York’s Knicks fans are rallying, with long lines at team stores for Brunson and Towns jerseys. Madison Square Garden becomes a playoff pilgrimage site, drawing global visitors. In Boston, Celtics supporters pack bars, confident in their team’s depth.
Social media buzz and arena chants amplify the rivalry. Media coverage, boosted by celebrity sightings, makes this game a marquee NBA event.
