Knicks vs Celtics NBA Game 6 Pick: Will New York End Boston’s Reign? (May 16)

• The New York Knicks failed to close out the defending champs in Game 5, but still have a chance to advance with a win at MSG on Friday night.
• Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, fresh off a solid performance, look to extend their season yet again.
• These squads last played on May 14, with the Celtics claiming a 25-point victory.

The lone game on Friday’s NBA slate features the New York Knicks hosting the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of a second-round Eastern Conference playoff series. Can New York close out the Cs at home in our Knicks vs Celtics Game 6 pick?

Knicks vs Celtics Game 5 Recap

The Knicks took three of the first four games in this matchup. But with their postseason run on life support, the Celtics bounced back with a dominant victory to pull within 3-2.

Josh Hart was the headline performer for the Knicks, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Jalen Brunson scored 22 points and handed out six assists. Karl-Anthony Towns chimed in with 19 points and eight boards.

Derrick White and Jaylen Brown had it going for Boston on the other side of the matchup. White torched New York’s defense with a game-high 34 points, including a 7-for-13 effort from 3-point range.

Jaylen Brown shot 9-of-17 from the floor en route to a 26-point effort. He also dolled out 12 assists and collected eight rebounds in a game the Celtics had to have.

During the game’s first 24 minutes, the teams battled to a 59-59 tie at the break. Boston closed the third quarter with a 23-9 burst to take a 91-76 lead into the final frame.

The Celtics’ onslaught continued in the fourth quarter, outscoring New York 36-26 and extending their lead to as many as 28 points.

Knicks vs Celtics Game 6 Pick: Does New York Advance Or Does Boston Force A Game 7?

Following a blowout defeat, the Knicks enter this matchup as a 2.5-point favorite (per BetOnline). Here are a few betting trends for both sides looking ahead to Game 6.

• The Knicks are 8-4 straight-up (SU) in their last 12 games.
• New York is 6-3 against the spread in its previous nine outings against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Celtics are 10-4 in their last 14 matchups against the Knicks.
• Boston is 2-6 against the spread in its previous eight matchups against Atlantic Division opponents.

The defending champs kept their season alive with a convincing win in Game 5, and if they play with the same level of desperation, the odds are in their favor to extend the series to a seventh and final game. As former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich once said, “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.”