Celtics vs Knicks Game 2 NBA Player Prop Picks (May 7)

• The New York Knicks stunned the Boston Celtics with a 108-105 overtime victory in Game 1, overcoming a 20-point second-half deficit at TD Garden.
• OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson each scored 29 points, while Mikal Bridges secured the win with a clutch steal in the final seconds.
• The Celtics, hindered by Kristaps Porziņģis’ second-half absence due to illness, aim to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday night.

The Knicks’ resilience in Game 1 showcased their depth and determination, turning the series dynamics in their favor. As the Celtics regroup, player prop markets offer intriguing opportunities for bettors. Now, the Celtics face pressure to respond in Game 2. With stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jalen Brunson all expected to see big usage, and role players like Josh Hart and Kristaps Porziņģis, if healthy, getting pivotal minutes, the prop market offers strong betting opportunities on both sides.

Boston Celtics Player Prop Pick: Jayson Tatum

With Kristaps Porziņģis limited in Game 1 and potentially out or less than 100% for Game 2, Tatum is poised to take on even more frontcourt responsibility. He logged 16 rebounds in the opener and averaged 10.4 boards per game across Boston’s first-round win over Orlando. The Knicks are a physical, attacking team that generates long rebounding opportunities, and Tatum has shown the ability to crash the glass, particularly in high-leverage games where he plays upwards of 40+ minutes.

Additionally, without Porziņģis patrolling the paint, Boston will rely on Tatum and Al Horford to box out KAT and Josh Hart, who are all aggressive on the offensive glass. Tatum hit double-digit rebounds in three of four games vs. the Knicks during the regular season, and he should again be heavily involved in the rebounding effort in a pivotal Game 2.

New York Knicks Player Prop Pick: OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby was sensational in Game 1, scoring 29 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three. But that type of offensive explosion has not been the norm for Anunoby, who averaged just 14.7 points per game during the regular season and has hovered around that number throughout the postseason. Much of his Game 1 success came in transition and catch-and-shoot situations where Boston failed to rotate defensively—something Joe Mazzulla is sure to emphasize in Game 2.

With the Celtics likely tightening up perimeter closeouts and funneling more help defense toward Brunson and Anunoby, it’s unlikely OG will see the same rhythm or volume of uncontested shots. His usage rate is also relatively low compared to primary options like Brunson, Randle, and even Mikal Bridges. Regression is a safe bet here, especially on the road where role players historically tend to struggle.