NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
Celtics vs. Knicks – Game 4 Preview
Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET • Madison Square Garden, New York City
Our Pick: Celtics -6.5
The Boston Celtics enter Madison Square Garden tonight with renewed confidence after an emphatic 115–93 Game 3 victory over the New York Knicks. Down 2–1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Boston showcased exactly why they finished with the league’s second-best regular-season record (61–21), with stellar three-point shooting and a balanced offensive approach that overwhelmed New York’s defense.
In Game 3, the Celtics drilled 20 of their 40 attempts from beyond the arc (50%), exemplifying their lethal perimeter offense. Payton Pritchard emerged as an unlikely playoff hero, delivering a postseason career-high 23 points off the bench. His sharpshooting significantly disrupted the Knicks’ defensive rotations, freeing up opportunities for Boston’s main scoring threats. Jayson Tatum, despite having a relatively quiet series scoring-wise, found ways to impact the game with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. His multi-dimensional presence remains key to Boston’s success.
Conversely, the Knicks’ shooting struggles became a glaring issue in Game 3, as they connected on only 5 of their 25 three-point attempts (20%). While Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 27 points, the lack of support from the Knicks’ perimeter players, including Josh Hart and RJ Barrett, has put significant pressure on New York’s offensive execution. The Celtics’ defense effectively stifled the Knicks’ shooters, forcing New York into contested shots and disrupted offensive sets.
Tonight’s matchup will heavily hinge on Boston’s ability to replicate their Game 3 defensive intensity. To cover the -6.5 spread, the Celtics need another aggressive start, capitalizing on early momentum to silence a hostile MSG crowd. The Knicks, already facing a subpar home playoff record (1–3), will be desperate to reassert themselves early, but Boston’s depth and defensive adaptability provide them with the tools necessary to neutralize the Knicks’ counterattack.
Given the Celtics’ clear offensive adjustments and improved defensive discipline, they’re positioned strongly to not only win tonight but also comfortably cover the spread, setting up a pivotal Game 5 back in Boston.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors
Timberwolves vs. Warriors – Game 4 Preview
Monday, 10:00 p.m. ET • Chase Center, San Francisco
Our Pick: Timberwolves -5
In tonight’s crucial Game 4 matchup of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in an advantageous position as they face off against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Leading the series 2-1, the Timberwolves have built significant momentum, particularly following their 102-97 victory in Game 3, capitalizing on their dominance on the boards and efficient offensive execution.
A major advantage for Minnesota continues to be the absence of Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry, sidelined again tonight with a strained left hamstring. Curry’s absence was felt keenly in Game 3, as Golden State struggled notably from beyond the arc, missing Curry’s perimeter threat. Jimmy Butler (33 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (30 points) put up strong numbers for Golden State, yet their efforts weren’t sufficient to offset Minnesota’s balanced attack.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Anthony Edwards has firmly established himself as the series’ most impactful player. With postseason averages of 26.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, Edwards has demonstrated his capability to take over in key moments. His 36-point performance in Game 3 highlighted his explosive scoring potential and will likely carry over into Game 4.
Another pivotal factor has been Julius Randle, whose Game 3 triple-double showcased his versatility and facilitated Minnesota’s offensive rhythm. Rudy Gobert’s presence in the paint has further compounded Golden State’s challenges, limiting interior scoring opportunities and significantly disrupting the Warriors’ typical offensive flow.
Defensively, Minnesota’s ability to control the rebounding battle—highlighted by their 44-36 rebounding edge and 26 second-chance points in Game 3—underscores their dominance. This trend is critical, as it denies Golden State the opportunity to initiate fast-break transitions, typically a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success.
Given Minnesota’s current momentum, injury advantages, and consistent execution on both ends of the floor, the Timberwolves are strongly positioned to not only secure another victory but also comfortably cover the -5 spread.
