Boston was not supposed to still be here. Kyrie Irving’s season ending injury meant certain playoff elimination. So said the experts. But the Celtics still had a major asset despite Irving’s loss. Head coach Brad Stevens is turning heads. He has rallied his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. For the second straight season no less. And he did so without his best player. For Cleveland this is the fourth straight year in the Conference Finals. And they are the betting on NBA Games favorite to eliminate Boston. But the Celtics will have home court advantage.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Final-Game 1
Date and Time: Series opens Sunday, May 13, 2018, 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: TD Garden, Boston Massachusetts, Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | -1 (-110) | 205 (-110) |  |
| Celtics | +1 (-110) | 205 (-110) | |
| |||
Cavaliers vs. Celtics TV Coverage: Check listings
What to expect
Boston earned second seed in the Eastern Conference based on regular season record. This puts them in a unique position. The Celtics are a solid betting on NBA Games dog despite their better record. True, most of that was compiled when Irving was in the lineup. But without Irving the Celtics are 7-0 both straight up and vs. the line at TD Garden. If ever home court advantage mattered, Brad Stevens’ team proved it. Milwaukee and Philadelphia were eliminated by Boston. Indiana and Toronto fell to Cleveland. TO was the top seed in the East.
Venues
Games one and two of this series will be played at Boston. Cleveland will host games three and four. If necessary TD Garden gets a fifth game. A sixth matchup will be at Quicken Loans Arena. A seventh game goes to the Celtics parquet home floor.
Big names on Court
Four Celtics are averaging 17 points per game or better. Stevens has employed the team approach without Irving. He correctly figured there was still enough talent to compensate. But just as important has been Boston’s defense. It has been among the best in the NBA all season. For Cleveland it’s the old formula. Hop on the big broad shoulders of LeBron James. James is averaging an insane 34 points per game in post season. He also has nine rebounds and assists per game. Center Kevin Love offers support with 15 points and 10 rebounds per tilt.
Team vs Team
Boston has beaten the sportsbook in four of their last six games with Cleveland. Three of the last five in this matchup have gone under the total. At TD Garden in this matchup the Celtics have paid in six of their last eight. Eight of the last 11 at Boston between these teams went under. Cleveland has paid in just one of their last eight home games vs. the Celtics. Four of the last six between these teams at Quicken Loans Arena went over.
Matchup to Watch
Superstar player vs. the NBA’s best coach. That is the betting on NBA Games matchup here. Can Brad Stevens create a defense to hold down LeBron James? Or is King James unstoppable? Will the Celtics stay unbeaten at home? At the end of the day the Cavs are the proven champions.
Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Boston is to be admired for its improbable playoff run. But Cleveland should wear them down at the end.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Cavaliers four games, Celtics two games
Catch highlights of the Cavaliers clinching win over Toronto!