The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics meet Friday in NBA action at the TD Garden. The Cleveland Cavaliers look to build on their 3-1 start. The Boston Celtics look to add to their 3-1 start.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 113.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting and allowing 100.8 points on 43.8 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points and 7.3 assists, while Cedi Osman is averaging 15.5 points and 3 rebounds. Evan Mobley is the third double-digit scorer and Jarret Allen is grabbing 11.5 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 40.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.3 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 34.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.
The Boston Celtics are averaging 116.3 points on 47.7 percent shooting and allowing 115.3 points on 47.7 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 32.5 points and 8.3 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24 points and 2.8 assists. Malcolm Brogdon is the third double-digit scorer and Derrick White is grabbing 3.8 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and 84.3 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 40 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.3 rebounds per game.
The Cavaliers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Celtics are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Friday games and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The over is 13-6 in Cavaliers last 19 overall. The under is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 overall. The Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston and 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
The Boston Celtics are the better, more trustworthy team, and they’re going to get the benefit of the doubt at home. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a fine start, and you know they’ll be up for this game as an early statement. The Cavs have shown serious potential at both ends of the floor, and they’re shooting lights out from deep. This is an intriguing battle between two East contenders. I’ll take a shot with the road dog.