The Boston Celtics will take on the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Coming in as the defending champions, the Celtics are favored to win, while the Knicks aim to build on their hard-fought victory against the Detroit Pistons which ended with a game-winning shot by Jalen Brunson.

This matchup is significant as it marks the first playoff meeting between these two rival teams since 2013, and their first encounter beyond the first round since 1984 in the conference finals.

“It’s a great stage for basketball, just all the history between Boston and New York,” Jaylen Brown said after practice. “I think a lot of people will be excited watching this series because of the history. It’s our job to come out and put on a great performance.”

Boston vs. New York is arguably the oldest rivalry in the NBA, and both teams are currently equipped to contend for the championship.

The first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals is scheduled for Monday.