Boston Favored in Game 3 Despite 0-2 Deficit in Celtics-Knicks Series, Possible Winner of Eastern Conference Discussion
In the ongoing playoff battle between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, the betting market has seen a significant adjustment in the odds for the series. The Celtics, who were initially favored to win, have seen their odds lengthen after a series of unexpected losses [1].
As of early August 2025, the Game 3 betting lines show the Celtics as favorites with a spread around -5.5 and moneyline odds near -270. The Knicks, on the other hand, are underdogs with a +5.5 spread and moneyline odds around +194. The total points line for the game is approximately 105.5 [3].
The Celtics' futures odds for winning the 2025 NBA Finals have also been affected by the Knicks' strong performance. Despite remaining the overall favorites, the Celtics' odds have moved slightly, reflecting the increased competitiveness of the Knicks [1]. Precise futures odds for the series win specifically were not provided in the available data but are expected to follow the overall NBA Finals odds, with the Celtics at +310 and the Knicks trailing behind more significantly.
The Celtics' struggles from behind the arc in Games 1 and 2, going 25-for-100 (25%) and ranking in the 97th percentile on spot-up jumpers in the regular season, could potentially affect their performance in the remaining games [1].
On the Knicks' side, Mitchell Robinson has had a positive impact on the team's defense, generating a team-high +32 plus/minus in the first two matchups of the series [1]. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson has shown resilience, scoring nine fourth-quarter points in Game 2, including the final six points to secure the victory [1].
Historically, the odds are against the Knicks, as only 7.3% of teams that have lost the first two games of a postseason series have mounted a comeback [1]. However, the Knicks have proven their resilience by overcoming an 0-2 deficit and upending the Pacers in seven games during last year's Eastern semis [1].
The series schedule for Game 3, Game 4, and potential subsequent games has been announced [1]. The Knicks, currently the biggest Game 3 home underdog, leading a series 2-0, since the 1993 Lakers, will be looking to extend their lead [1]. The Celtics, who are the first team in the play-by-play era (since 1996-97) to lose two games when leading by 20 or more points in a single postseason, will be aiming to turn the tide [1].
The betting market's stance is that the Celtics have a better chance of winning the series, with odds of -105 or better [1]. However, the Knicks' recent performances and the Celtics' struggles have led to a shift in the odds, adding an element of uncertainty to the series.
[1]: Data sourced from various sports betting websites. [3]: Data sourced from sportsbooks.ag. [5]: Analysis based on the provided data.
- In the NBA playoff match between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, the betting lines for Game 3 show the Celtics as favorites, with a moneyline odds of -270 and a spread around -5.5.
- Conversely, the Knicks are the underdogs, having moneyline odds of +194 and a spread of +5.5.
- The total points line for the game is set at approximately 105.5.
- The Celtics' odds for winning the 2025 NBA Finals have shifted slightly, reflecting the Knicks' increased competitiveness in the series.
- The Knicks' defense, bolstered by Mitchell Robinson, and the resilience shown by Jalen Brunson have been crucial factors in their strong performance in the series.
- Historically, the odds are against the Knicks, as they have only managed to come back from a 0-2 deficit in 7.3% of cases, but the Knicks did mount such a comeback in the Eastern semis last year against the Pacers.
- Despite the Celtics being deemed favorites by the betting market, the Knicks, who are currently the biggest Game 3 home underdog since 1993, will be aiming to extend their lead in the series, while the Celtics, who are the first team to lose two games when leading by 20 or more points in a single postseason, will be looking to turn the tide.
