New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics – Game 4 Preview (May 13, 2025 – Madison Square Garden)

Series Overview

In Game 1, the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Celtics 108-105 in overtime. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 29 points, while Mikal Bridges’ clutch steal in the final moments sealed the victory. The Celtics, despite a strong regular season against the Knicks, struggled to contain New York’s resilience and defensive intensity.

Boston’s stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, acknowledged the need for better execution and shot selection moving forward. The absence of Kristaps Porziņģis due to injury has also impacted the Celtics’ interior presence.

Key Matchups

• Jalen Brunson vs. Celtics’ Defense: Brunson’s ability to penetrate and create opportunities will be crucial. Boston must find ways to disrupt his rhythm.
• Frontcourt Battle: With Porziņģis sidelined, the Celtics rely on Al Horford and others to counter the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
• Bench Contributions: Players like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby have provided valuable minutes for the Knicks. Boston’s bench needs to step up to match this impact.

Betting Insights

For bettors, this series presents opportunities to explore expected value betting, especially in player prop markets where individual performances can be anticipated based on matchups and recent trends. Additionally, utilizing reduced juice sportsbooks can offer better odds and lower the cost of betting over time.

Prediction

Given the Knicks’ momentum and home-court advantage, they are poised to extend their series lead. However, the Celtics’ experience and talent make them formidable opponents.

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