Since Kyrie Irving went down with a season-ending injury, the Boston Celtics have found themselves as underdogs on many occasions and are thriving in that role. Ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the C’s are once again in that position after dispatching the Philadelphia 76ers in five games. Can the Celtics continue their penchant of covering the spread at home? Boston is 13-3 ATS in its past 16 at TD Garden.
Sportsbook opened the Celtics as 1.5-point home dogs with a total of 204.5.
- The OVER is 5-1 in the Cavaliers' last six games.
- The Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Celtics in Boston.
- The road team is 15-5-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings between the Cavaliers and Celtics.
Point guard Terry Rozier has done an admirable job filling in for Irving, as the Youngstown, Ohio native is averaging 18.2 points in the postseason while anchoring Boston’s backcourt. Rookie small forward Jayson Tatum has been a revelation for the Celtics, with the Duke product averaging 23.6 points per game against the 76ers. Boston couldn’t slow down King James and company in last year’s postseason, but this series is shaping up to be much more competitive.
Speaking of James, the superstar was lights-out in the first two rounds of the playoffs thanks to averages of 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and nine assists including a pair of buzzer-beaters against the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Kevin Love has been the subject of scrutiny at times in his Cavaliers career, but the veteran averaged 22.6 points and 12.4 boards in last season’s conference finals and scored at least 21 points in each of the final three games of the Cavs’ sweep of the Raptors.
Cleveland has enjoyed success at TD Garden over the years. The Cavs won three games in Boston by an average of 30 points in last year’s series and also triumphed by 22 in Beantown in the most recent matchup between the clubs on February 11. The Cavs are 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Boston.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Boston Celtics opened as 0-point at online sportsbook Sportsbook, while the NBA total line was sitting around 204 at Sportsbook for those who prefer OVER/UNDER betting on the total amount of points scored.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Cavaliers to win this game 108-107. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to spoil the party on Sunday; they are 36-56-1 ATS against the betting spread this NBA season, while the Boston Celtics are 59-33-2 ATS. Cleveland is 45-46-2 vs the betting total points scored; Boston is 50-43-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Boston vs Cleveland injuries news.
The Odds Shark betting Power Rankings have the Boston Celtics at No. 11 and the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 8 heading into this NBA contest.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers rank No. 26 in the league with 41.66 per game. That compares with Boston's No. 10 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Boston is the NBA's No. 7-ranked team at 11.38 per game, while the Cleveland Cavaliers rate No. 3 with 11.83 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
- Cleveland is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
- Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
- Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 16 games
- Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Cleveland at Boston, Tuesday, May 15th
