As the NBA Playoffs heat up, Monday 5th May 2025 serves up a thrilling doubleheader that could set the tone for the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals. The evening tips off with a clash of historic rivals as the surging New York Knicks head into the lion’s den of TD Garden to face the battle-hardened Boston Celtics. Following that, the action shifts west to Oklahoma City, where the well-rested Thunder prepare to take on the reigning champion Denver Nuggets—fresh off a bruising seven-game battle.
These matchups aren’t just about advancing to the Conference Finals—they’re about pride, legacy, and proving that regular season stats can mean very little when the lights burn brightest. With superstars, strategic depth, and postseason storylines in abundance, bettors and fans alike can expect fireworks from start to finish.
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
Match Info
- NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 1
- Monday 5th May 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST
- TD Garden, Boston, USA
New York Knicks
The Knicks arrive in Boston with one clear message: this year, they’re built differently. While the past two playoff runs ended in disappointment, this team is the healthiest it’s been in years. Jalen Brunson’s ankle recovery has come at the perfect moment, and his late-game brilliance in Detroit reminded fans why he’s their go-to weapon. The return of OG Anunoby and the presence of a fully fit Julius Randle offer New York the defensive grit and offensive versatility needed to make a real dent in Boston’s armour.
However, the Knicks know they must address their Achilles’ heel—depth. The bench’s production will be vital, especially against a deep Celtics squad. Eyes will be on Deuce McBride and Mitchell Robinson, who must step up both defensively and on the scoreboard to avoid an uphill battle in the Garden.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics enter this series not only as the top seed in the East but with a psychological edge—having swept New York in the regular season. Jason Tatum has been in MVP-calibre form, pouring in over 31 points per game with surgical efficiency. Supported by the likes of Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and a versatile big-man rotation featuring Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, Boston can stretch the floor and lock down on defence.
More importantly, Boston’s bench has become a game-changer. Luke Kornet provides size and range, while Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser can knock down threes when the starters rest. If the Celtics execute with their usual balance, the Garden faithful could be celebrating early dominance.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Boston Celtics to win
With home-court advantage and a better-rounded roster, the Celtics should edge out the Knicks in Game 1. Their ability to rotate multiple scorers and maintain defensive pressure across all positions could overwhelm New York early.
America Bet Score Prediction
New York 102 – 114 Boston
Expect the Celtics to pull away in the second half after a competitive start. Tatum’s scoring and Boston’s bench output should be enough to cover the spread and secure a comfortable opening win.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Boston Celtics to win
- Boston Celtics -5.5 handicap
- Jason Tatum over 28.5 points
- Jalen Brunson over 6.5 assists
- Total points over 215.5
- OG Anunoby to record 1+ block
- Julius Randle over 8.5 rebounds
- Sam Hauser 2+ three-pointers made
- First Half – Boston to lead
- Knicks bench under 20.5 total points
Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder
Match Info
- NBA Western Conference Semifinals – Game 1
- Monday 5th May 2025 – 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST
- Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, USA
Denver Nuggets
Fresh off a gruelling seven-game war with the LA Clippers, the Denver Nuggets head into OKC with momentum but potentially weary legs. Nikola Jokic remains the centrepiece of their offence, and his near triple-double average in the first round reaffirms his brilliance. But Denver’s ability to bounce back quickly will be tested, especially on the road.
Jamal Murray’s scoring bursts will be critical, but the Nuggets will need contributions from their entire rotation, including the veteran presence of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the spark off the bench from Russell Westbrook. Having split their regular season series with the Thunder, Denver knows what they’re up against—but they’ll need to dig deep to steal one on the road.
Oklahoma City Thunder
While Denver’s been bruising it out, the Thunder have been resting, strategising, and waiting. After sweeping the Grizzlies, Oklahoma City enters this series fresh and confident. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like a man on a mission, showing that he can lift his game when it matters most. His scoring acumen and poise under pressure are the foundation of OKC’s postseason push.
Chet Holmgren’s two-way presence, combined with Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey’s versatility, make the Thunder one of the most exciting and balanced young squads in the league. Playing at home, they’ll be eager to run the floor and use their energy advantage to press Denver at every opportunity.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Oklahoma City Thunder to win
The rest advantage and home-court energy tilt the balance towards the Thunder. Expect them to push the tempo early and make the Nuggets work for every basket. If they can limit Jokic’s playmaking and win the rebounding battle, Game 1 is theirs to lose.
America Bet Score Prediction
Denver 109 – 117 Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s youth and pace could wear down a tired Denver side. Look for a high-scoring affair with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and Jokic putting up big numbers in a losing effort.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Oklahoma City Thunder to win
- Total points over 220.5
- Nikola Jokic triple-double
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 29.5 points
- Jamal Murray under 3.5 three-pointers
- Chet Holmgren over 2.5 blocks
- Thunder to score first 10 points
- Game to be tied at halftime
- Jalen Williams over 4.5 assists
- Oklahoma City Thunder -2.5 handicap
