At the onset, fans and gamblers would believe that the Boston Celtics should dominate the Cleveland Cavaliers in their NBA betting playoff series. However, the calf injury to PF Kristaps Porzingis has thrown the matchup for a loop. Boston remains the favorite to get past the Cavaliers. But the Porzingis injury gives the Cavaliers a shot at the upset. So far, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White have kept Boston going. By contrast, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen carry most of the burden for the Cavaliers. Gamblers have a split opinion on this matchup.
2024 NBA Playoffs Second Round Series Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
| Date and Time: | Monday, May 13, 2024, 7 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | -8 -110 | 207 -110 | -345 |  |
| Cavaliers | +8 -110 | 207 -110 | +275 | |
| ||||
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Series Schedule
- Game 1: Boston 120, Cleveland 95 (Celtics lead 1-0)
- Game 2: Cleveland 118, Boston 94 (Series tied 1-1)
- Game 3: Boston 106, Cleveland 93 (Celtics Lead 2-1)
- Game 4: Celtics at Cavaliers, May 13 (7 ET, TNT)
- Game 5: Cavaliers at Celtics, May 15 (7 ET, TNT)
- Game 6: Celtics at Cavaliers, May 17 (TBD, ESPN)*
- Game 7: Cavaliers at Celtics, May 19 (TBD, TBD)*
Boston Celtics Team Overview
The Boston Celtics are 64-18 straight up, 41-36-5 against the spread, and 42-38-2 over/under the total. Late on, Boston has covered two out of their last eight games. The Celtics have gone over the sportsbook total in four of its previous five matchups. Boston is 1st in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Boston is 14 games ahead of the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Overall, Boston has NBA metrics of 2nd for scoring offense, 8th for field goal percentage, 2nd for 3-point field goal percentage, 7th for free throw percentage, and 2nd for offensive rebounding. Meanwhile, on defense, the Celtics have NBA metrics of 5th for scoring defense, 2nd for field goal percentage permitted, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 14th for defensive rebounding.
Late on, Boston got the money in five of its last six games. The Celtics went under the total in four of those six matchups. S Far Jaylen Brown (24.1 PPG) and Jayson Tatum (23.1 PPG and 10.4 RPG) lead Boston.
Cleveland Cavaliers Team Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 48-34 straight up, 38-44 against the spread, and 40-41-1 over/under the NBA betting total. Late on, Cleveland has covered three out of their last ten games. While the Cavaliers have gone over the total in three of its previous four matchups. Cleveland is 4th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Cleveland is 16 games behind the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Overall, Cleveland has NBA metrics of 20th for scoring offense, 12th for field goal percentage, 15th for 3-point field goal percentage, 22nd for free throw percentage, and 17th for offensive rebounding. While on defense, the Cavaliers have NBA metrics of 7th for scoring defense, 6th for field goal percentage permitted, 21st for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 10th for defensive rebounding.
Late on Cleveland failed to cover three of its most recent five games. Three of those five games went under the total. So far, Donovan Mitchell (29.6 PPG) and Jarrett Allen (17.0 PPG and 13.8 RPG) lead Cleveland.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers SBG Free Pick
The matchup of Mithcell and Brown is touted as one of the best in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. But the fact remains Boston is the better team.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers SBG Best Bet: Boston Celtics.