The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will square off in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2025, reigniting a classic rivalry under the bright lights of TD Garden. The Celtics, fresh off a dominant 61-21 regular season and a comfortable first-round sweep of the Orlando Magic, enter the series with championship aspirations and the firepower to match. Led by the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston boasts a blend of elite scoring, switch-heavy defense, and lineup versatility that has overwhelmed most opponents. Their offseason addition of Kristaps Porzingis has stretched opposing defenses to the breaking point, offering them a true five-out offensive system while maintaining rim protection. Marcus Smart continues to anchor the perimeter defensively, while Robert Williams III protects the paint and energizes with timely blocks and putbacks. They face a Knicks team that, while entering as the underdog, brings grit, cohesion, and a defensive identity that mirrors their coach Tom Thibodeau’s no-nonsense approach. The Knicks edged past the Detroit Pistons in six tough games, powered by Jalen Brunson’s scoring and leadership and Julius Randle’s all-around contributions. OG Anunoby has been instrumental in tightening the defensive rotations, and Mitchell Robinson’s interior presence has proven vital in both rebounding and deterring drives. Yet despite their rugged style, the Knicks were swept 0-4 by Boston in the regular season, exposing concerns about their ability to generate enough offense against the Celtics’ versatile defense.

Boston’s key to success will be leveraging their transition game, knocking down open threes off ball movement, and keeping Brunson in check through switching and physical on-ball defense. For New York, they’ll need to win the rebounding battle, slow the pace, and keep the Celtics out of rhythm by forcing contested mid-range looks. One of the most intriguing tactical questions will be how Thibodeau adjusts his defensive schemes to deal with Porzingis, whose ability to shoot from deep collapses the paint and stretches opposing bigs far from the basket. Bench production could also swing the series—Boston has reliable secondary scorers in Malcolm Brogdon and Payton Pritchard, while New York’s bench will need major input from Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes to keep pace. In a postseason where depth and durability often determine long-term success, both teams will be tested physically and mentally over the course of this series. Although Boston is the favorite due to superior depth, playoff experience, and the advantage of home court, the Knicks have the tools and defensive toughness to keep games close and frustrate the Celtics into grinding matchups. Game 1 will set the tone, and if the Knicks can punch first and survive Boston’s inevitable runs, they could shake up what many see as a one-sided series. However, should the Celtics dictate pace, hit their threes, and execute late-game possessions with their usual poise, this series could tilt quickly in their favor. Expect a physical, emotionally charged series filled with clutch moments, hard fouls, and signature performances from some of the East’s brightest stars.