Expert prediction
NBA Playoffs: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Series Odds, and Picks
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Cavaliers survived in Game 7, winning the series over the Magic and advancing.
- Boston had little trouble against Miami, defeating them in the 5th game of the series.
- The Celtics went 2-1 against Cleveland this season, winning by an average margin of 5 points.
The NBA postseason’s first round is wrapping up as the second round begins. Let’s preview this clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are huge favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but need to first beat the Cavs.
How to Watch
- Game 1 – May 7, 7:00 PM EDT, on TNT
- Game 2 – May 9, 7:00 PM EDT, on ESPN
- Game 3 – May 11, 8:30 PM EDT, on ABC
- Game 4 – May 13, 7:00 PM EDT, on TNT
- Game 5 – May 15, TBD*
- Game 6 – May 17, TBD*
- Game 7 – May 19, TBD*
- *if necessary
Preview
Cleveland escaped their first-round series against the Magic with a victory in Game 7. Home-court advantage proved to be crucial, with Cleveland going 4-0 at home and 0-3 on the road in the series. Donovan Mitchell did everything for Cleveland against Orlando. After scoring 50 of the team’s 96 points in a defeat in Game 6, Mitchell kept his foot on the gas, scoring another 39 points in the series-clinching victory. The Cavs will need someone else to step up and support Mitchell in the second round.
The Celtics wrapped their first-round series up in five games. They were playing a Heat team that was without star F Jimmy Butler, but were likely to run away with the series anyway. Boston’s path to the Finals is wide open with injuries plaguing the conference. Unfortunately, they aren’t immune to the injury bug either, having recently lost Kristaps Porzingis. Without him, veteran C Al Horford will be asked to step up and fill a massive role against the Cavaliers.
Prediction
The Cavaliers are huge underdogs in this series, and for good reason. Boston by far the best team in the Eastern Conference, and Cleveland showed several moments of concerning offensive play in their series against the Magic. That being said, the Celtics are likely to play the entirety of this series without starting C Kristaps Porzingis, which provides the Cavs with at least one hole to exploit in their fight for an upset. Ultimately, I don’t see it being enough. Boston should win this series in 5 or 6 games.
NBA Picks
- Celtics in 5 (BOS -1400)
NBA
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