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The New York Knicks are on the brink of **making history**.
After trailing by **11 points at halftime** during their previous outing, the Knicks looked poised to head into Game 5 against the Celtics with a tied series at **2-2**. But Jalen Brunson—a standout voted this season’s **NBA Clutch Player of the Year**—had other plans, dominating the game with a stunning **39-point performance** that propelled New York to a **121-113 victory** over the **Boston Celtics** in Game 4.
However, the night took a devastating turn with **Celtics star Jayson Tatum** suffering a **torn Achilles tendon** late in the fourth quarter, leading to surgery and raising concerns for Boston’s championship aspirations.
With a pivotal Game 5 on the horizon, can the Knicks capitalize on Tatum’s absence and complete the upset against the defending champions on their home court?
Knicks vs Celtics: Betting Odds & Predictions
Current Odds Overview
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, May 14:
Point Spread: Knicks +4.5, Celtics -4.5
The Knicks find themselves as **underdogs for a fifth consecutive game**, despite the significant blow of losing Tatum. Historically, New York has been heavily undersized in terms of odds, often faced with a **5-point or greater underdog** position.
While the current spread of **+4.5** seems more favorable for the Knicks, their performance has shown promise; they are **3-1 against the spread** in this series, only faltering in Game 3. This trend suggests that betting on the Knicks to at least **cover the spread** might be a savvy decision.
Prediction: **Knicks +4.5 (-105)** seems like a bet worth placing, especially without Tatum.
Total Points: Over/Under 207.5
Game 4 saw a **scoring explosion**, with a total of **234 points** being racked up—a stark contrast to earlier games. Both teams found their rhythm, showcasing impressive shooting percentages from beyond the arc and from the field.
However, the absence of Tatum—arguably the best player on the court—will undoubtedly impact scoring dynamics. While we may not witness another **230-point showdown**, the total set at **207.5** still feels manageable given the offensive capabilities displayed in Game 4.
Prediction: Expect an **Over 207.5 points (-115)** outcome on Wednesday night.
Moneyline: Knicks +165, Celtics -200
The Celtics are at a crossroads: they can either come together and **rally without Tatum**, pushing themselves to force a Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, or they might struggle to keep pace with the Knicks, leading to an early exit.
Ultimately, my prediction leans towards the **former**. The Celtics, despite the setback, possess the team depth to stay competitive and should be able to rise to the occasion at home.
Final Prediction: Celtics 110, Knicks 106
As the series intensifies, **basketball fans** gear up for an exhilarating Game 5 that promises drama, talent, and potential glory. Will the Knicks seize the moment, or can the Celtics defy the odds and push forward?
