Playoff Showdown: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks in the 2024-25 NBA Postseason - Preview, Predictions, and Picks for the Third Round Matchup
Get ready for a heated rivalry as the Boston Celtics face off against the New York Knicks in the 2024-25 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals! Here's a sneak peek at this epic series:
Celtics vs. Knicks: The Lowdown
The Knicks barely managed to edge past the Detroit Pistons, but their performance left much to be desired. Their offensive rating dropped significantly compared to the regular season, and they heavily relied on Jalen Brunson's heroics despite their offseason acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.
However, taking on the Celtics is a whole new ball game. Boston boasts an incredible defensive rating, thanks to players like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday who are more than capable of shutting down Brunson and other key Knicks players. Additionally, their defensive options are not just one-dimensional, as they have great wing defenders to contain Bridges and OG Anunoby.
The Knicks, on the other hand, struggled defensively during the regular season and may find it tough to contain Boston's star-studded offense, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics' Advantage
Tatum lights up when faced against the Knicks, averaging an impressive 33.5 points per game during the regular season. The Knicks' defensive weapons might not be enough to stop the All-NBA performer. Boston's offensive rating was astonishingly high in games against New York, making it clear that they have the upper hand in this matchup.
Series Best Bet: Celtics -2.5 Games (-122)
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[1]: Overall: The 2024-25 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks renews one of the league’s oldest rivalries, with Boston holding an 8-7 playoff series edge historically.[2]: In four games against the Knicks during the regular season, the Celtics had an offensive rating of 130.2. The Cavaliers had the best offensive rating in the NBA this season, and that number was down at 121.0. That should tell you how easy it was for Boston to score on this New York defense.[3]: Celtics swept the Knicks 4-0, including a 119-117 overtime win on April 8 where Kristaps Porzingis dropped 34 points.[4]: Head-to-Head and Regular Season Context - Season results: Celtics swept the Knicks 4-0, including a 119-117 overtime win on April 8 where Kristaps Porzingis dropped 34 points.[5]: Key Factors - 4. Health concerns - Jrue Holiday’s return from injury (missed 3 games vs. Magic) boosts Celtics’ perimeter defense and playmaking.
- The Knicks, despite just barely advancing past the Detroit Pistons, may find themselves overmatched against the Boston Celtics in the 2024-25 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, especially considering their shaky offensive performance and heavy reliance on Jalen Brunson.
- vastly different from their regular season performances, the Celtics are sure to dominate offensively against the Knicks, with Jayson Tatum averaging an impressive 33.5 points per game against them.
- The Celtics' sports team boasts a strong defense, and Boston's players like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are more than capable of shutting down key Knicks players, including Jalen Brunson.
- Despite having offensive weapons like Mikal Bridges, the Knicks' defensive options may not be enough to halt the relentless attack of the Celtics during this series, particularly with Boston's overall higher offensive rating in games against New York.
