### Boston Celtics Face Crucial Game 3 Against New York Knicks in Eastern Conference Semifinals The Boston Celtics are in a precarious position as they prepare for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks. Currently down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series, the Celtics must improve their performance, particularly in the second half, to avoid falling into an insurmountable 0-3 deficit, a situation from which no team has ever recovered in NBA playoff history. The stakes are high as the Knicks aim to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, while the Celtics look to leverage their playoff experience to turn the series around [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/boston-celtics-vs-york-knicks-000802282.html]. ### Breakdown of the Current Series Situation 1. **Series Context**: - The Celtics and Knicks are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since 2013, reigniting a historic rivalry [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-vs-knicks-schedule-odds-game-1-prediction-pick-as-rivalry-reignites-in-2025-nba-playoffs]. - The Knicks lead the series 2-0 after winning the first two games, putting pressure on the Celtics to perform in Game 3 [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-vs-knicks-odds-prediction-start-time-2025-nba-playoff-picks-game-1-best-bets-by-proven-model]. 2. **Injury Reports**: - The Celtics have a clean injury report, with key player Jrue Holiday expected to contribute significantly in Game 3 [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/05/sports/celtics-knicks-game-1-tv-info]. - The Knicks are also managing their roster effectively, aiming to capitalize on their current momentum [https://www.nj.com/betting/2025/05/celtics-vs-knicks-predictions-picks-and-best-bets-grab-our-top-ats-bet-for-game-3.html]. 3. **Betting Insights**: - Various betting models have simulated the matchup extensively, with predictions favoring the Knicks to continue their winning streak [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/knicks-vs-celtics-odds-prediction-start-time-2025-nba-playoff-picks-game-3-best-bets-by-proven-model]. - Expert analyses suggest that the Celtics need to adjust their strategy to avoid further losses [https://www.nj.com/betting/2025/05/celtics-vs-knicks-picks-for-game-3-plus-player-prop-bets-and-full-series-predictions.html]. ### Key Statistics and Predictions - **Game Performance**: The Celtics have struggled in the second half of both games, which has been a critical factor in their losses [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/boston-celtics-vs-york-knicks-000802282.html]. - **Expert Predictions**: Analysts are predicting a bounce-back performance from Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who had a disappointing outing in Game 2 [https://www.syracuse.com/betting/2025/05/after-jayson-tatums-7-23-dud-experts-predict-bounce-back-in-game-2.html]. - **Betting Odds**: The betting lines indicate a competitive matchup, with the Celtics needing to cover the spread to regain confidence [https://www.nj.com/betting/2025/05/celtics-vs-knicks-predictions-picks-and-best-bets-grab-our-top-ats-bet-for-game-3.html]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the Celtics In summary, the Boston Celtics are at a critical juncture as they prepare for Game 3 against the New York Knicks. The following points encapsulate the situation: 1. **Urgency**: The Celtics must win to avoid a 0-3 series deficit, which has historically proven fatal in playoff series [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/boston-celtics-vs-york-knicks-000802282.html]. 2. **Injury Management**: With key players healthy, the Celtics have the potential to turn the tide if they can execute their game plan effectively [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/05/sports/celtics-knicks-game-1-tv-info]. 3. **Expert Insights**: Predictions suggest a potential turnaround, particularly if Jayson Tatum can regain his form [https://www.syracuse.com/betting/2025/05/after-jayson-tatums-7-23-dud-experts-predict-bounce-back-in-game-2.html]. The outcome of Game 3 will be crucial not only for the series but also for the Celtics' aspirations in the playoffs.