Celtics vs Knicks NBA Pick: Can The Defending Champs Stay Alive? (May 14)

• Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum sustained a leg injury, and the team is just one loss away from elimination.
• Meanwhile, the New York Knicks look to close out another series on the road.
• These squads last played on May 12, with the Knicks claiming an eight-point victory.

One of the games on Wednesday’s NBA slate features the Boston Celtics hosting the New York Knicks in Game 5 of a second-round Eastern Conference playoff series. Will Boston stave off elimination in our Celtics vs Knicks Game 5 pick?

Celts-Knicks Game 4 Recap

The road team won the first three games of the series. Unfortunately, with an opportunity to tie things up at two games apiece, the Celtics came up short, falling 121-113, and are one loss away from a second-round elimination.

Jayson Tatum was one of four players in double figures. His impressive stat line included 42 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals. He shot 16-for-28 overall and 7-for-16 from beyond the arc.

Not only did the Celtics lose the game, but Tatum suffered a lower leg injury in the fourth quarter, leaving his status uncertain heading into the next matchup.

Derrick White finished with 23 points, knocking down six of his 11 attempts from 3-point range. Jaylen Brown chipped in with 20 points and seven rebounds.

On the other side of the matchup, Jalen Brunson was one of four starters who reached double figures. He scored 39 points, dolled out 12 assists, and collected five rebounds on 56 percent shooting from the floor and 4-for-8 from distance.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 23 points each. OG Anunoby contributed 20 points, including four 3-pointers.

Like the first two games, Boston held a double-digit advantage in the first half, leading 62-52 at intermission. However, Brunson put the Knicks on his back in the third quarter, scoring 18 points as New York outscored Boston 37-23.

Tatum’s three-point play tied the game for the final time at 102. Anunoby knocked down a 3-pointer that ignited a 14-2 burst, giving the home team a 116-104 lead.

Celtics vs Knicks Game 5 Pick: It’s Do Or Die For The Defending Champs

Despite facing a 3-1 deficit, the Celtics enter this matchup as a five-point favorite, according to BetOnline. Here are a few betting trends for both sides looking ahead to Game 5.

• The Celtics are 14-6 straight-up (SU) in their last 20 games.
• Boston is 1-6 against the spread in its previous seven outings against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Knicks are 4-9 in their previous 13 matchups against the Celtics.
• New York is a perfect 6-0 ATS in its previous six road contests.

The Cs dominated the four regular-season meetings between these franchises. But New York has flipped the script in this playoff series, overcoming large deficits in each of their three victories.

It’d be easy to write off the Celtics, especially with their top scorer sustaining a serious injury. However, look for the defending champs to extend their season for at least one more game.