The 2 Reasons to Think That the New York Knicks Will Eliminate the Boston Celtics in These NBA Playoffs 2025

The New York Knicks arrive at their second-round game as significant underdogs against the Boston Celtics. It is difficult to find any analyst, expert, or fan who believes that New York has any chance of keeping the series competitive against the title defenders, the Celtics. After a disastrous regular season where Boston swept the Knicks 4-0, with three wins by a wide margin, not much is expected from Tom Thibodeau's group.

This sentiment has only increased with New York's struggles to defeat the Detroit Pistons. Their first-round matchup against the upstart Pistons not only lasted six games but each game was closely contested in the final quarter. The last five games were decided by a combined difference of 15 points. Although NY managed to escape the gritty Motor City squad thanks to the heroics of Jalen Brunson, they did not give Knicks fans any reason for optimism against the beast that is the Boston Celtics.

Having said all that, one might think that the Knicks are playing with house money. If they lose, well, that's what was expected. If they win, it will be a legendary surprise, right? Although this is true in a sense, New York has a lot at stake in this series. It wouldn't be surprising if they lost in four or five games, but expectations should be higher for several reasons. As unlikely as it may seem, NY still has a chance to win this series.

1. Boston is vulnerable

Perhaps the main reason why the Knicks have no excuse not to be at least competitive with the Celtics is injuries. Of course, both teams are dealing with injuries, and no one is truly healthy in the playoffs. However, three of Boston's top five players are significantly hobbled heading into this game. Jayson Tatum injured his right wrist in the first round against Orlando and played through it after missing the second game. Although Tatum performed well until the end of the series, the bone bruise on his shooting wrist could slow him down in a physical second-round battle. If Boston's best player is even slightly limited at times, NY's chances of an upset skyrocket.

However, the two Celtics who appear to be legitimately injured are Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown. Holiday twisted his hamstring and missed the last three games of the first round. He is not listed on the injury report and will play in the first game, but he seems to be playing hurt. Holiday is an extremely tough player, but he is also older. Holiday is Boston's best option to guard Brunson, so anything that hampers him will be welcomed by New York.

Brown has been dealing with a knee injury for months. It does not seem likely for him to return to full strength until the offseason, and he has lacked his usual dynamism and athleticism whenever he has taken the court. In some way, New York has emerged from a grueling season and the first-round battle with Detroit as the healthier team compared to the Celtics, who have had a good rest. There is no excuse for not being competitive in this series.

2. Leon Rose is all-in on this core

Another reason why the Knicks are under immense pressure to prove they are on the same level as Boston is the resources that were allocated to building this team. GM Leon Rose bet on restructuring the identity of this core when he parted ways with beloved Knicks such as Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and draft capital to bring in OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. In just one year, New York has gone from being a defensive and gritty-minded team to an offensive and hyper-talented team. So far, it has worked well, with 51 wins and another playoff series won. However, if Boston steamrolls them, tough questions will need to be asked about the future of this core.

It is only the first year of this current group, and championship teams are not built overnight. Usually, the same group of players needs years of failures to reach the mountaintop. Just look at Tatum/Brown's Celtics, who lost together in the playoffs six times before finally breaking through in 2024. However, if NY is overshadowed in their first tough postseason test, expect trade rumors to swirl around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, or any other star available this offseason.

Rose parted ways with five first-round picks and several Knicks veterans to create this team. He did it to raise their championship ceiling. Losing in four or five games against the defending champions would not reflect well on that mission. Yes, Boston is a monster. They are a well-oiled machine with depth at every position. But New York has plenty of talent of their own and a superstar point guard who is not afraid of anyone. They should expect to win, and so should the fans.

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