Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
May 15, 2018
Date & time: Tuesday, May 15 @8:30 PM
Venue: TD Garden (Boston)
Head to head record
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 108-83 (2017/2018 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 99-121 (2017/2018 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 102-88 (2017/2018 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics 102-99 (2017/2018 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 102-135 (2016/2017 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction
Boston Celtics will be looking to double their lead in the Eastern Conference final when they welcome Cleveland Cavaliers at their TD Garden on Tuesday evening. Cavs failed to impress in Game 1, but they should not be written off just yet.
Impressive victory
By beating the likes of Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers Boston Celtics set up a meeting with Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference play-offs final. Brad Stevens’ men rolled over the last season’s runners-up 108-83 in Game 1, with the team preventing LeBron James from scoring more than 15 points. Teamwork on and off the court is the key to Boston’s success and, no doubt, they will fight tooth and nail in Tuesday’s clash against Cavs as well. Al Horford, who scored 20 points in the 108-83 victory over Cleveland Cavaliers, is playing a very important role in Brad Stevens’ team and he will be the man to watch in the home side. You should bear in mind that Boston Celtics are eyeing their tenth consecutive win at home, which is certainly giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of Game 2.
Shane Larkin is rated doubtful, whilst the likes of Kyrie Irving, Daniel Theis and Gordon Hayward, who broke his ankle in the opening game of the season, remain in the recovery room.
Where is the King?
Seeing that Cleveland Cavaliers rolled over Toronto Raptors (4-0) in the Eastern Conference semis, many people expected that they would defeat Boston Celtics in Game 1. However, Tyronn Lue’s men failed to impress in the TD Garden clash and, as a result, Celtics are leading the series 1-0. LeBron James was not at his sharpest in the 108-83 loss to Boston, with the team’s key player scoring only 15 points, but he should not be underestimated. “The King James” defeated Toronto Raptors by himself and there is every chance he will leave his heart on the court in Tuesday’s clash against Celtics. Kevin Love scored 17 points in Game 1, but his shot percentage was anything but brilliant (5/14). Anyhow, the duo could pose a big threat for the hosts in the second game of the Eastern Conference final and, one thing is for sure, they will score more than 32 points in total this time out.
Coach Tyronn Lue has no injury worries ahead of the match and he is likely to field the same starting line-up that faced Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Interesting Facts
- Boston scored 108+ points in each of their last five home games
- LeBron James has been averaging 27.5 points this season
- Cleveland suffered three defeats in last six away games
- Cavs hit only four three-point shots in game 1
- Celtics are after their 10th consecutive win at home
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting pick
Cleveland Cavaliers are desperate to get their revenge on Boston Celtics for the heavy 108-83 defeat, but beating Brad Stevens’ troops on the road is easier said than done. Over the years Celtics have turned their TD Garden into a real fortress and seeing that they are more of a team than Cavs, I am tempted to put my money on the hosts this time out.
Pick: Boston Celtics to win
Odds: +100
