The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are reigniting their rivalry in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA playoffs, marking their first playoff encounter since 2013. The game is set for Monday night in Boston.

The Celtics, who are the reigning NBA champions, effectively dispatched the Orlando Magic in five games during the first round, while the Knicks secured a hard-fought series win over the Detroit Pistons in six games.

Now strengthened by offseason acquisitions, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks aim to pose a significant challenge to Boston, although the Celtics had the upper hand during the regular season, winning all four meetings by an average margin of 16.3 points.

Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who managed to play through a knee injury for the entire first round, expressed the tough nature of the upcoming games, saying it would be a “war.”

Celtics vs. Knicks Schedule

All times Eastern

• Game 1: Monday, May 5 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 7 p.m., TNT/Max
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | Celtics vs. Knicks | 7 p.m., TNT/Max
• Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
• Game 4: Monday, May 12 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
• Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD
• Game 6: Friday, May 16 | Knicks vs. Celtics | Time/TV TBD
• Game 7: Monday, May 19 | Celtics vs. Knicks | Time/TV TBD

Celtics vs. Knicks Odds

• Series odds: Celtics -800, Knicks +550
• Game 1 odds: Celtics -9, O/U 213

Best Bet for Game 1

Coming Monday ahead of Game 1 in Boston.