How to watch Celtics vs. Knicks: Live stream the Eastern Conference semifinals
With Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs wrapped up, the conference semifinals are here. We've put together everything you need to know about how to watch Celtics vs. Knicks, including cable and live streaming options.
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, two Eastern Conference giants, will face off in the best-of-seven series after sailing through the first round of the 2025 Playoffs. The No. 2 Celtics eliminated the Orlando Magic in five games, while the No. 3 Knicks knocked out the Detroit Pistons in six. The Celtics and Knicks are two of the original NBA teams and frequent flyers in the NBA Playoffs. The two last clashed in the postseason in 2013, when the Knicks knocked out the Celtics in the first round.
The Celtics are the reigning champions, having won the Finals in 2024. At 18 titles, they hold the record for the most NBA Championships in league history. The Knicks, who have won two NBA Championships, were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year in Game 7 against the Pacers.
Whether you're rooting for the Celtics to once again make it to the Conference Finals or hoping to see the Knicks advance, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn all of the ways you can live streaming the Conference semifinals.
How to watch Celtics vs. Knicks: quick links
US: TNT, ESPN, AC
Sling TV (all games)
DirecTV (all games)
Fubo (ABC/ESPN games only)
Max (TNT games only)
Access subscriptions anywhere: ExpressVPN
When: May 5—May 18, 2025 (at the latest)
Game 1: Knicks vs. Celtics on May 5 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 2: Knicks vs. Celtics on May 7 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 3: Celtics vs. Knicks on May 10 at TBD on ABC
Game 4: Celtics vs. Knicks on May 12 at TBD on ESPN
Game 5: Knicks vs. Celtics on May 14 at TBD on TNT*
Game 6: Celtics vs. Knicks on May 16 at TBD on ESPN*
Game 7: Knicks vs. Celtics on May 19 at TBD on TNT*
*If necessary
How to watch Celtics vs. Knicks in the US
The Celtics vs. Knicks Eastern Conference semifinals will air across TNT, ABC, and ESPN in the US. If you don't have cable, you can live stream the series through a live TV streaming channel package such as Sling TV, DirecTV, Fubo, or Max. Sling TV and DirecTV are the best options for those looking to watch all four to seven games in the series since Fubo doesn't carry TNT and Max only carries TNT games.
In our how to watch the NBA Playoffs guide, Sling TV is our top recommendation for watching the entire postseason since you can live stream pretty much every game by simply subscribing to Sling's Orange plan, which costs $46/month. This officially makes it the cheapest way to live stream all NBA Playoffs games in the US. Sling Orange carries 35 channels, including TNT, ESPN, and ESPN3 (the latter of which live streams NBA on ABC games). You can upgrade to the Sports Extra to get access to NBA TV, but at this point in the Playoffs, you most likely won't need the channel anymore.
DirecTV is another solid way to live stream all games in the Knicks vs. Celtics match-up. The DirecTV MySports package costs $70/month and carries TNT, ESPN, and ABC (in select regions) and around 25 other popular sports channels. If MySports doesn't offer ABC in your area, we recommend subscribing to DirecTV Entertainment, which costs $85/month and carries widespread ABC, ESPN, and TNT coverage, in addition to around 90+ other live channels. All DirecTV plans come with a five-day free trial.
Fubo will be able to help you live stream ESPN, ABC, and 150+ other live channels, but you'll need to look elsewhere for TNT coverage. Fubo Pro subscriptions start at $85/month and come with a seven-day free trial (as well as $20 off your first month of service). Max, on the other hand, carries only TNT games. To unlock live streaming, you'll need to opt for one of the ad-free Max tiers, which start at $17/month.
Max Standard (Monthly Plan)
Max's Standard plan includes ad-free on-demand streaming for HBO series, Warner Bros. blockbusters, original Max shows, and much more. Plus, all ad-free subscribers get the B/R Sports Add-on, so they can live stream NBA, NHL, MLB, and more for no extra cost.
Check price at Max
How to watch Celtics vs. Knicks from anywhere
NBA fans traveling away from home don't need to worry about missing out on any of the action. Viewers can keep up with their usual streaming methods with the help of a VPN, or virtual private network. VPNs are quick and easy cybersecurity tools that enable people to change their virtual locations. This way, their go-to websites and apps work from almost anywhere in the world. Since the services we've recommended require US payment methods, this option will work best for Americans who are simply abroad.
Not sure where to start when it comes to VPNs? Our go-to recommendation is ExpressVPN. It's easy to use, has an impressive suite of cybersecurity perks, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can explore more in our ExpressVPN review, and keep reading to learn how to use a VPN.
How to watch Celtics vs. Knicks with a VPN
Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one.
Install it on the device you're using to watch.
Turn it on and set it to a US location.
Sign up for one of the above streaming services.
Enjoy the games!
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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