The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics meet Thursday in Game 2 East Second Round NBA Playoffs action at the TD Garden. Here’s a Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers need a win here to even up the series at 1-1. The Cavaliers are 0-4 SU in the postseason on the road. The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 95.8 points on 43.6 percent shooting and allowing 102.8 points on 42.9 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 29.3 points and 4.5 assists, while Jarrett Allen is averaging 17 points and 1.3 assists. Darius Garland is the third double-digit scorer and Evan Mobley is grabbing 9.6 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 28.3 percent from beyond the arc and 76.1 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 32.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won 15 of their last 16 Eastern Conference Semifinals games.
- The Celtics have lost 10 of their last 18 playoff games as home favorites following a win.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in four of their last five games against the Celtics following a loss.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics look for a fifth straight win to take a 2-0 series lead. The Celtics are 3-1 SU at home this season. The Boston Celtics are averaging 109.8 points on 47.7 percent shooting and allowing 92.7 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.3 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Derrick White is averaging 22.8 points and 3.2 rebounds. Jayson Tatum is the third double-digit scorer and Jrue Holiday is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 38.6 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 31.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last 15 home games against Central Division opponents.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last 10 road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine playoff games as underdogs.
- The home team has covered the spread in seven of the Cavaliers’ last eight games.
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
The Cavaliers will be without Craig Porter Jr., Dean Wade and Ty Jerome. Jarrett Allen remains questionable for the Cavs as he continues to deal with a ribs’ injury. Kristaps Porzingis remains out for the Celtics with a calf injury, and reports indicate he’s making progress, but there’s no timetable for a return just yet.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Celtics’ last six night games at TD Garden have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last four Eastern Conference Semifinals road games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers just don’t have the offensive horses to compete in this series, as Mitchell has been the only consistent player in these playoffs. Let’s not forget that the Magic outplayed the Cavs through 7 games despite losing the series. The Cavs are truly lucky to even be in this position. The Celtics comfortably won game 1, and they’re now 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games. The Celtics are 40-5 SU at home this season. The Cavs have failed to cover 5 of their last 6 games. Even without Porzingis, I just don’t see the Cavaliers having enough firepower to put up a fight in this series. Give me the Celtics and the chalk, as game 2 is another comfortable win for Boston.