Cavaliers vs. Celtics Pick
It’s a showdown for first in the East tonight at 8PM ET when the Boston Celtics host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Celtics are the favorite at home, as they are getting odds of -4 points against the Cavaliers. The over/under total for the game is listed at 219.5 points. The home team has won all three meetings this season, while the Celtics are 2-0-1 against the spread in the three games.
NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
After a struggle for most of March, Cleveland has gotten somewhat on track by winning three straight to move to 50-27 on the season. They are tied with Boston right now in the standings. They sit just 34-40-3 against the spread this season after going just 3-7 ATS in their last 10. The Cavs are averaging 110.5 points per game on offense while allowing 106.9 on defense. As a road team, they put up 107 on offense while giving up 109.4 on defense. LeBron James is averaging 26.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game to lead the team. Tristan Thompson is averaging 8.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, but he is doubtful tonight due to a thumb injury.
Boston has won two straight and eight of its last 10 to get to 50-27 on the season as well. However, the Celtics are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five and 38-37-2 ATS on the season. Boston puts up 107.8 points per game this season while giving up an average of 105.1 on defense. At home, the offensive average bumps up to 109.8 per game while the defensive average sits at 105.5. Isaiah Thomas is leading the team with 29.1 points and 5.9 assists per game. Jae Crowder, who averages 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds, is questionable for tonight’s game due to an elbow injury.
Cleveland is an underdog, which is a pretty rare spot. However, the Cavs haven’t been great in this role, going just 3-9 against the spread this season. They also are 6-11 ATS on no rest. The Cavs are expected to be without Thompson, which is a big piece in the paint. They also should be tired from playing their third game in four days. Boston is well rested and at home, so they should have plenty of motivation to win this game and make a statement about its place in the East.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS -4