MSG Playoff Tickets: What You’ll Pay for Knicks-Celtics Eastern Conference Semifinals
The Return of a Historic NBA Rivalry
A Classic Showdown Renewed
For the first time since 2013, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics are set to battle in the playoffs, reviving one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries.
There’s real buzz around this Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup.
The Knicks are looking to flip the script as clear underdogs against Boston, last season’s defending champions.
The Weight of the Moment
This series means a lot for both cities.
The Knicks haven’t been this far in the postseason for years, and every game against the Celtics stirs up decades of basketball passion between New York and Boston.
The Celtics, loaded with talent and playoff experience, set the bar high.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are defined by grit, coming off a dramatic win in the opening round.
Their resilience has fans dreaming big, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Setting the Stage
Coach Tom Thibodeau summed up the Knicks’ attitude: they know they’ll “have to be at our best.”
With Madison Square Garden about to come alive and the Celtics defending their title, the intensity is set to skyrocket.
Next, let’s dive into how these teams clashed during the regular season and which players might tip the scales as the series unfolds.
Regular Season History and Key Players
Celtics Dominate the Regular Season
Boston controlled the regular season series against New York, winning all four matchups.
The games showed Boston’s strength and ability to close tight contests.
The most recent clash on April 8 was a nail-biter, going to overtime before the Celtics edged the Knicks 119-117.
This game felt like a playoff preview—tough, physical, and packed with standout performances.
Standout Performances in Key Moments
Both squads depended on their big men in that April showdown.
Karl-Anthony Towns put on a show for the Knicks, racking up 34 points and proving he can be a difference-maker in big games.
However, Kristaps Porzingis matched him shot for shot, also dropping 34 points for Boston and showing why the Celtics traded for him.
It was a true heavyweight battle in the paint, with each star willing his team forward in crunch time.
Setting the Stage for the Playoffs
These regular season duels, especially the high-stakes overtime thriller, set the tone for what fans can expect in the playoffs.
The intensity, the star power, and the drama are all there, making this matchup between the Knicks and Celtics one to watch.
With this history in mind, fans getting playoff tickets will likely see more of these high-octane performances at Madison Square Garden.
Playoff Ticket Prices at Madison Square Garden
What to Expect for Knicks-Celtics Tickets
The buzz is real for the Knicks versus Celtics playoff clash, and so are the ticket prices.
Getting a seat at Madison Square Garden for this Eastern Conference Semifinals series will set fans back at least $200 for the lowest-priced tickets at the time of publication.
Prices are through Vivid Seats, which is the official ticketing partner of the New York Post.
It’s important to know that playoff ticket prices can rise or fall quickly.
As the series heats up, demand will shift and prices may change—sometimes by the hour.
So if you’re eyeing a particular game, it’s best to act fast.
Buying With Peace of Mind
Vivid Seats is a verified secondary ticket marketplace.
This means some ticket prices may be above face value, depending on how popular the game is.
But buyers get a 100% guarantee: secure transactions, authentic tickets, and guaranteed delivery before game time.
Be ready for some extra fees at checkout, so your final total could be higher than the list price.
While the price tag reflects New York’s iconic venue, passionate fans, and intense rivalry, the excitement of this playoff run adds even more value.
The rush for tickets shows just how much the city is invested in this historic series.
Looking ahead, game dates at the Garden are set and fans are gearing up for an electric atmosphere in midtown Manhattan.
Game Schedule and Venue Information
Important Dates and Locations
The much-anticipated Knicks-Celtics playoff series kicks off on May 5 at Boston’s TD Garden. After the opener in Boston, the teams head to New York for two high-stakes matchups.
Madison Square Garden will come alive with playoff energy on Saturday, May 10, and Monday, May 12.
These dates will be marked by passionate fans, and tickets for all games are in high demand.
Comparing Ticket Prices by Venue
If you’re hoping to see the action live, it’s good to know how prices compare.
Madison Square Garden’s lowest ticket prices start at approximately $200 for these big playoff games—reflecting just how much excitement surrounds this meeting.
Prices are usually a bit more affordable for the Boston games, but both markets can shift rapidly based on team performance and fan demand.
Availability and Flexibility
Tickets for all potential games in this series are available, but keep in mind that pricing can fluctuate as the drama unfolds on the court.
This flexibility means keen fans should be ready to jump when they see a good deal, especially as anticipation builds with each game.
With the venues and dates mapped out, fans can start making plans for an unforgettable playoff experience.
How to Purchase Playoff Tickets
Using a Verified Secondary Market Platform
If you’re hoping to catch the Knicks and Celtics battle live at Madison Square Garden, buying tickets is a big step.
Vivid Seats stands out as a trusted choice for fans.
As a verified secondary market platform and the official ticketing partner of the New York Post, Vivid Seats gives buyers access to playoff tickets, even after standard box office sales run out.
You may notice prices above or below the original value depending on demand, so flexibility pays off when searching for deals.
Buyer Guarantees and Security Features
Peace of mind is as important as a good seat. Vivid Seats offers a 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures your transaction is safe and secure.
They guarantee authentic tickets and promise delivery before game time.
This means you don’t have to worry about fake tickets or last-minute surprises at the entrance.
Fees to Expect at Checkout
It’s good to know additional charges may come up.
Listed ticket prices typically do not include service fees or delivery costs, which are shown during checkout.
This way, you have a clear understanding of the total cost before finalizing your purchase.
Always double-check these details to avoid surprises.
As anticipation for this storied rivalry builds, learning where to watch the games from home becomes just as valuable.
| Scenario | Before | After (How to Watch) |
|---|---|---|
| 📺 TV Broadcast | Limited to cable subscription | Multiple channels (MSG, ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV) for comprehensive coverage |
| 📡 Streaming Options | Cable subscription required for TV access | Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV offer coverage |
| 📅 Game Times and Channels | Fixed game times with consistent channel coverage | Game times and channels can shift, so check local listings for accurate scheduling |
| 🎮 Postgame Coverage | Limited access without cable | Access to postgame interviews through streaming and TV broadcasts |
The Teams’ Playoff Journey So Far
Knicks’ Gritty Path to Round Two
The Knicks punched their ticket to this classic rivalry after a tense first-round series against the Detroit Pistons.
They made history by taking three straight road wins in the postseason—a franchise first.
In Game 6, down by seven with just over two minutes left, the Knicks faced elimination.
Jalen Brunson sparked the comeback, converting a key three-point play.
Moments later, his reverse layup cut into Detroit’s lead.
When the pressure hit its peak in the closing minute, Mikal Bridges crashed the boards for an offensive rebound and scored with a left-handed putback to tie it.
With only five seconds left, Brunson broke free for a deep three-pointer, draining it to give New York the win. The Pistons could not answer, sending the Knicks to the next round.
Celtics’ Commanding Series
Boston’s second-round journey looked far less stressful.
Facing the Orlando Magic, the Celtics lost just one game.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and their crew handled business in five games, showing why they’re the defending champs.
Their depth, defense, and star power helped them breeze past the Magic without much trouble.
Both teams now arrive at the rivalry with fresh storylines and momentum on their side, ready to face off at the Garden.
What’s Next at Madison Square Garden
MSG’s Summer Soundtrack
After the drama and excitement of postseason basketball, Madison Square Garden quickly shifts gears, keeping the stage lit with major music events.
Fans who crave more than just hoops will find a packed entertainment calendar once the NBA season wraps up.
Taylor Swift is set to bring her dazzling production to MSG, giving Swifties a reason to celebrate beyond just basketball.
Shortly after, Beyoncé—queen of pop and R&B—takes the stage for two nights filled with choreography, powerhouse vocals, and that signature star power.
Ed Sheeran also lands in the Garden with his melodic singalongs and acoustic hits, rounding out a summer lineup that pretty much guarantees something for everyone.
These aren’t the only acts on deck. MSG consistently draws top performers from every genre, making it one of New York’s premier destinations for live entertainment all year long.
Planning Your Next MSG Experience
With a stacked schedule, it makes sense to plan ahead for your next visit.
Secure tickets early to avoid last-minute price hikes, and check the official MSG events calendar to catch your favorite artists.
Whether you’re chasing the rush of a playoff buzzer-beater or belting out choruses with thousands of other fans, Madison Square Garden ensures that the thrills never really stop.
With basketball soon giving way to big-stage concerts, MSG remains the place where unforgettable moments happen in every season.
