Celtics vs. Knicks Prediction: Game 3 Odds & Expert Picks for Today

Can Boston come back from two shocking collapses to win Game 3 in New York today?

Mike Spector

Last updated: May 10, 2025 9:22 AM EDT • 3 min read

The Boston Celtics became the first playoff team to blow 20-point leads in consecutive games. Boston will try to avoid losing three straight against the New York Knicks when the two rivals clash again today (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) for Game 3, with the Celtics as 5.5-point road favorites at Madison Square Garden.

Our Celtics vs. Knicks prediction looks at whether New York’s playoff home struggles will continue, or if another tight finish is coming as part of our NBA picks.

💰 Celtics vs. Knicks expert picks for Game 3

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✅ Against the spread pick: Knicks +5.5 (-110 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐
✅ Moneyline pick: Celtics (-198 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
✅ Over/Under pick: Over 204.5 (-110 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏀 Game 3 prediction & best bet

🎯 Score prediction: Celtics 105, Knicks 103

The Celtics seemed to learn from their mistakes in Game 1 after missing an NBA playoff record 45 attempts from 3-point range. While they made five of 21 attempts from deep in the first half of game 2, they also attempted 21 paint field goals and made 11. That was a stark difference from their high volume of 3-point attempts (60) and paint field goal attempts (31) in Game 1.

I expect Boston to get back to attacking the rim more in Game 3, while also putting the onus on the referees to blow the whistle. There should also be positive regression in the shooting department - Boston has made 25% of its wide-open 3-point field goal attempts this series, while GeniusIQ calculates it should have been expected to make 41%.

The Knicks scratched out a victory in Game 2 despite Jalen Brunson shooting 6-of-19 and New York making 29% of its 3-point attempts. In addition, Mikal Bridges did not score until the fourth quarter, and his team committed 16 turnovers.

While the Knicks' last six games have been decided by three or fewer points, these trends have me backing the Over with more confidence than their +5.5 spread. The total is down a full point from its opening number at DraftKings, so Over backers might get an even better number closer to tip-off.

✅ Best bet: Over 204.5 (-110 via DraftKings)

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📈 Celtics vs. Knicks odds

Live updated odds from our best sports betting sites.

🪧 Game 3 opening odds

Opening odds via BetMGM.

Spread: Celtics -5.5 (-105) | Knicks +5.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Celtics -220 | Knicks +180
Over/Under: Over 205.5 (-110) | Under 205.5 (-110)

📈 Celtics vs. Knicks betting insights

Here are some betting insights from BetMGM for Game 3 of the Celtics vs. Knicks series.

Spread bettors are torn, with an even 50-50 split on the action.
As a result, the spread hasn't budged since the number opened up at -5.5 in favor of the Celtics
There's a different story with the total, as the Over on 206.5 is drawing 63% of the action

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Written By:
Mike Spector

Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”