Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Game 5 Odds, and Picks (May 15)

• The Cavaliers dropped to the brink of elimination after their last two losses at home.
• Boston took a 3-1 series lead over Cleveland on Monday, and is aiming to close it out.
• The Celtics currently hold a 5-2 record against the Cavaliers on the season as a whole.

The NBA Playoffs are heating up as the second round progresses. After coming up short at home in Games 3 and 4, the Cavs are in desperation mode. They need to win Game 5 to avoid elimination. Boston is an overwhelming favorite to make the NBA Finals.

How to Watch

• TNT

Preview

The Cavaliers had a rough time in Cleveland in Games 3 and 4. They lost by an average score of 108-98 in the two games, falling behind 3-1 in the series. Cleveland’s offense has struggled to keep up with Boston, despite their excellent performance in Game 2. If they are unable to replicate that success and come up short offensively in Game 5, the Cavaliers will be eliminated. Donovan Mitchell has been Cleveland’s most proficient offensive producer this postseason, but has gotten little support.

Boston bounced back from a tough loss in Game 2 to win Games 3 and 4. They’ve now followed the exact same pattern as their first-round series against the Heat. That series ended with a Celtics victory at home in Game 5, and this series seems to be on the same path. With C Kristaps Porzingis continuing to work towards his return to the court, Boston would benefit greatly from wrapping this series up early and earning some much-needed rest before the Eastern Conference Finals.

Prediction

This series has been a poor one to bet on, and this game is no different. I expect Boston to win the game and series at home in this matchup, advancing to the ECF. That being said, it’s not enough of a certainty to make it worth betting on such long odds. Instead, I would consider betting on a desperate Cavaliers team to cover a massive spread, or if you’re exceptionally bold, to pull off the upset and extend the series. Boston will not make it that easy.

NBA Picks

• Celtics 121, Cavaliers 110 (BOS -1500)