Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: Stars Collide In Cleveland
Two Eastern Conference contenders collide on Sunday afternoon as the Boston Celtics travel to Rocket Arena to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston enters the day with a 42-21 record and sits near the top of the conference standings, while Cleveland is close behind at 39-24 and looking to defend its home court. Before tip-off from Cleveland, you can continue reading to find my Celtics vs Cavaliers prediction in the NBA.
Pick: Cavaliers +1.5
Confidence: 3 out of 5
The return of Jayson Tatum changes the outlook for Boston. Even though he is still working his way back into full game form, his presence alongside Jaylen Brown gives the Celtics one of the most dynamic scoring duos in the league. Boston showed its depth in a 120-100 win over Dallas in Tatum’s first game back.
Cleveland, meanwhile, continues to rely on its high-powered backcourt and frontcourt scoring combination. Donovan Mitchell remains the engine of the offense and is listed as probable despite a recent groin issue. Pairing him with James Harden has gone well for the Cavs so far. The Cavaliers have also been excellent at home this season, which is why oddsmakers have kept this line extremely close.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Boston Celtics
Stat | Boston Celtics | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 114.5 | 119.1 |
Points allowed per game | 107.0 | 114.9 |
Team Field Goal % | 47% | 48% |
Rebounds Per Game | 46.4 | 44.4 |
Assists Per Game | 24.5 | 28.4 |
Score Projection: Boston Celtics 114 – Cleveland Cavaliers 117
Win Probability: Boston Celtics 49%, Cleveland Cavaliers 51%
How much the stars play in this game will have a lot to do with the game's outcome. Tatum's minutes will be limited, with the question being how much he plays. Similarly, Donovan Mitchell's status will go a long way in determining the outcome. For now, I'll take the Cavs as a slight underdog here, though the injuries add a ton of variables to the equation.
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