New York Knicks Lead Boston Celtics 3-2 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The New York Knicks hold a 3-2 series lead over the Boston Celtics heading into Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, with a win potentially sending the Knicks to their first Conference Finals since 2000. The Celtics, despite missing superstar Jayson Tatum due to injury, dominated Game 5 with standout performances from Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Luke Kornet, who had an exceptional defensive game. Boston is aiming to extend the series to a Game 7, where they have historically had success in elimination games on the road, while the Knicks have struggled to close out series at home in recent years. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden and can be viewed on ESPN or through free streaming options like DIRECTV’s trial or Playback with an NBA League Pass. NBA legend Magic Johnson highlighted six key players across both teams who could decide the outcome, emphasizing the importance of performances from Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges for the Knicks, and Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard for the Celtics. Betting models favor the Knicks as slight favorites, adding intrigue to a high-stakes matchup between two long-time playoff rivals.