Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

Date & time: Wednesday, May 17 @8:30 PM
Venue: TD Garden (Boston)

Head to head record

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 91-114 (2016/2017 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 103-99 (2016/2017 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics 124-118 (2016/2017 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics 128-122 (2016/2017 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics 98-94 (2016 Summer League)

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction

Having rolled over Toronto Raptors 4-0 in previous round, Cleveland Cavaliers now take on Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference play-offs final. Seeing that TD Garden will host Game 1, a close encounter appears on the cards.

Home court advantage

Against all odds, Boston Celtics finished the regular season in top position in the Eastern Conference. As a result,
Brad Stevens’ men will have a home court advantage in the series against title holders Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston set up a meeting with Cavs by beating the likes of Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, but they face an uphill task in the tie against LeBron James and Co. Isaiah Thomas led Celtics with 29 points to a 115-105 win over Wizards in the decider and the “Little Guy” will certainly pose a big threat for Cavs in Game 1. It has to be noted that Thomas has been averaging 28.3 points in last ten games, but fellow superstar Avery Bradley is enjoying a season to remember as well. Boston are a real force to be reckoned with at home and they recorded 30 wins at their TD Garden in the regular part of the season.

Coach Brad Stevens has no injury worries ahead of Game 1 and he is unlikely to make changes to the starting line-up that faced Washington Wizards on Monday.

Cavs rolled over Toronto

Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to suffer a loss in the 2017 NBA play-offs. Following a 4-0 triumph over Indiana Pacers, Cavs outclassed Toronto Raptors as well, but it has to be noted that the Canadians were without their star player Kyle Lowry in the series against the reigning champions. Tyronn Lue’s men are brimming with confidence ahead of the trip to Boston and they are certainly eager to upset Celtics in Game 1. Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference, meaning that they need to beat Brad Steven’s charges on the road in the upcoming series if they are to book their place in the NBA final. Cavs have been impressive on the travels in the play-offs and it remains to be seen if they are capable of recording their fifth consecutive away victory in the process. LeBron James has been producing fine displays in the play-offs and he will be the man to watch in Tyronn Lue’s team.

Walter Tavares is definitely out of contention with a hand injury, while Kay Felder is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day.

Interesting Facts

• Cavs scored 100+ points in each of their last seven games on the road
• Isaiah Thomas has 29.5 points per game against Cleveland
• Cleveland emerged triumphant in four of last five meetings with Celtics
• LeBron James scored 35 points in a 109-102 win over Toronto
• Cavaliers are on an eight-game winning run at the moment

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting pick

Cleveland Cavaliers have been producing terrific showings in the 2017 NBA play-offs and duo Kyrie Irving – LeBron James has been in a perfect working order of late. Cavs need to prevent Isaiah Thomas from scoring more than 25 points in Game 1 if they are to emerge triumphant in Wednesday’s clash and I believe that they are capable of doing so.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers to win

Odds: -167