Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Odds, and Picks (May 11)

• The Celtics came up way short against the Cavs in Game 2, losing 118-94 at home.
• Cleveland has a key opportunity to take the lead in the series at home in Game 3.
• Boston currently holds a 3-2 record against the Cavaliers on the season as a whole.

The NBA Playoffs continue to heat up in the second round. After a stunning upset in Game 2 over the Celtics, the Cavaliers are set up well to take the series lead at home in Game 3. Meanwhile, Boston will be aiming to get back on track on the road.

How to Watch

• ABC

Preview

Boston had a similar disappointment in Game 2 against Miami to their Game 2 loss against Cleveland, but went on to win the next three games. It is very important that the Celtics bounce back in similar fashion in this series, after losing by a much larger margin. To do so, the starters will need to perform much better. Tatum, Brown, White, and Holiday combined to go 19-52 (37%) from the field on Thursday. The absence of C Kristaps Porzingis certainly made a difference for the Celtics in their defeat.

Cleveland’s 24-point victory was fueled by their capable defense and lit ablaze by an excellent offensive performance. Donovan Mitchell finally got the support he needed, as all five starters reached double-digit scoring. The Cavs also got a great game from 6th-man Caris LeVert, who posted 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench. Taking a 2-1 lead in this series would create a path for Cleveland to pull off the upset and make the ECF. They need to take full advantage of their current momentum.

Prediction

If Cleveland can build on their success in Game 2 and claim a win at home on Saturday, the series odds will change significantly from where they currently stand. On the other hand, if Boston bounces back in Game 3 like they did against Miami, they could be returning home in Game 5 with a chance to close the series out. I’m on the fence for this matchup, but after seeing how Boston responded to losing against the Heat, I feel good about them doing the same against the Cavaliers.

NBA Picks

• Celtics 115, Cavs 109 (BOS -350)