Celtics vs Knicks Game 1 NBA Player Prop Picks (May 5)

• The Celtics come into Game 1 after a dominant 4-1 series win over the Magic, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge offensively.
• The Knicks enter the second round after grinding out a six-game series against the Pistons, with Jalen Brunson continuing to shine as their go-to option.
• These two teams last met in the regular season on April 8, a 119-117 Celtics overtime win that completed Boston’s 4-0 sweep over New York.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tips off Monday night from TD Garden as the Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks. With two All-NBA candidates in Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson leading the charge, and a handful of elite role players supporting them, player props for this series opener offer excellent betting value. Here’s a deep dive into the top prop markets for this highly anticipated playoff clash.

Boston Celtics: Tatum, Porziņģis, Brown in Focus

The Celtics return to action after cruising past the Magic in the first round, and Game 1 will showcase their full offensive arsenal. Jayson Tatum has averaged 33.5 points per game in four matchups vs the Knicks this season, torching them from mid-range and beyond the arc. He also hit the 30-point mark three times in the opening round. With Jaylen Brown’s slashing and Kristaps Porziņģis drawing attention in the post, Tatum should see plenty of one-on-one looks again.

Jaylen Brown has quietly been efficient, hitting 23+ points in 4 of his last 5 games, while Porziņģis could be a difference-maker on both ends with his rebounding and rim protection. Boston’s offense is deep, but the stars should get the bulk of usage early in the series.

Pick: Tatum Over 28.5 points — The matchup favors him, and he’s dominated the Knicks this season.

New York Knicks: Brunson Must Elevate Again

Jalen Brunson has carried the Knicks to this point, averaging 30.7 points and 6.3 assists in the first round against Detroit. He dropped 40 in the Game 6 clincher and looks locked in, but Boston’s perimeter defense will present his toughest challenge yet. Still, the Knicks will lean on him heavily with Julius Randle sidelined and Karl-Anthony Towns adjusting to a secondary scoring role.

Josh Hart has quietly become one of New York’s most important players, averaging double-digit rebounds and defending multiple positions. With Boston’s size and switch-heavy defense, Hart will need to crash the glass and push in transition. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are wildcards, but expect Hart and Brunson to carry the usage load.

Pick: Josh Hart Over 9.5 rebounds — He’s averaging nearly 10 boards a game and will play 35+ minutes.

Celtics vs Knicks Game 1 Prop Prediction

Game 1 is expected to be a tight, physical contest with both defenses dialed in. That sets the stage for stars like Tatum and Brunson to handle heavy workloads. Boston’s depth and home crowd give them the edge, but prop bettors should expect a grind-it-out effort from both teams. The best value lies with the volume-heavy players — Expect Tatum to continue his dominant consistent performances going into game 1.