The Boston Celtics advanced to the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, defeating the Orlando Magic 4-1 in a tough first-round series. Despite the challenge, the Celtics showcased their resilience, with Jayson Tatum leading the way after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for Game 2. Jaylen Brown's knee issues persist, raising concerns for the Celtics as they prepare to face the New York Knicks. Moreover, Jrue Holiday's hamstring injury kept him out of the last three games against Orlando, but he has been cleared to play in Game 1 against the Knicks.

Holiday's presence is crucial for Boston as they aim to limit the impact of Jalen Brunson and the Knicks’ powerful lineup. During his two games against the Magic, Holiday averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, proving to be a pivotal player in isolation defense. Game 1 against the Knicks is set for Monday at TD Garden.

As the Boston Celtics prepare to face off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference second round, anticipation is mounting for a hard-fought series between these Atlantic Division rivals. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, aim to defend their title, while the Knicks, spearheaded by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, are hungry for their first championship since 1973.

Health is paramount at this stage of the season, and the Celtics have received good news, as they announced they have no players on the injury report heading into Game 1. This news comes after a season where they outperformed the Knicks in their regular-season matchups. Brown emphasized the historic significance of this rivalry, while head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the Knicks' strengths. Expect a physically demanding series that could hinge on minor details.

The Boston Celtics are set to face the New York Knicks in their second round series, marking their first meeting in the playoffs since 2013. Jayson Tatum's injury concerns have subsided following a strong performance against the Magic, and the team is anticipating the return of Jrue Holiday, who has been practicing and is expected to play in the series. Coach Joe Mazzulla is likely to utilize a nine-player rotation, including the double big lineup that worked well during the regular season against the Knicks.

Kristaps Porzingis is under scrutiny after struggling against Orlando, particularly in terms of rebounding and scoring. The defensive challenge increases with Jalen Brunson's offensive capabilities and the presence of strong rebounders like Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the Knicks. The Celtics will need Porzingis to adjust quickly to maintain effectiveness. Additionally, offseason trade rumors loom over the Celtics, particularly concerning key players like Jrue Holiday and Porzingis as they navigate salary cap constraints.

The upcoming series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals promises to be a clash of titans. The Celtics, led by the red-hot Jayson Tatum, are nearing full health, which significantly enhances their chances. Tatum's current form could be a game-changer, as he showcases some of the best basketball of his career.

On the flip side, the Knicks have displayed resilience, overcoming a challenging Detroit Pistons team without major injuries. This sets the stage for an intriguing match-up. The question looms: can the Knicks manage to take more than one game off the Celtics in this fiercely competitive series?

The Eastern Conference semifinals feature an exciting matchup between the New York Knicks and the defending champions Boston Celtics. After a hard-fought first round, where New York had to rally against the Detroit Pistons, they face a formidable Celtics squad fresh off a five-game victory over the Orlando Magic.

Key players to watch include Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, who needs to elevate his scoring to support the clutch performances of Jalen Brunson. Conversely, Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been on fire, averaging 36 points in the last three games against the Magic. The Knicks must minimize turnovers and solidify their bench to compete against Boston's depth and skill.

The Celtics swept the season series against New York, but the Knicks' improved third-quarter performance and strategic adjustments could make this series more competitive than anticipated.