Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 08/05/2024, 14:17  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics will be home for game two of their Eastern Conference semi-final playoff matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They lead the series 1-0. Boston are seeking to double their advantage before the series switches to Cleveland for games three and four. The Celtics were in excellent form to begin this series and should have the momentum to defend home court for these first two matches. Joe Mazzulla’s men, who defeated the Heat in five games in the first round, won 120-95 against the Cavs. They have now won their last four matches. Boston have also won the last four times they have been home against Cleveland. The Celtics are averaging 109.8 points in the playoffs and are shooting 47.7% from the field. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jason Tatum are all averaging over 20 points. White has benefited from the absence of Kristap Porzingis who has been the team’s third leading scorer this season. The centre has missed the last two matches with injury.

The Cavaliers’ struggles in game one could have been down to having fewer days to prepare for the match. J.B. Bickerstaff’s men had just three games to prepare while their hosts had almost a week. This is after their first-round matchup with the Orlando Magic went seven games. The Cavs are yet to win on the road in the playoffs with all four of their wins coming at home. Donovan Mitchell had another 30+ point night as he scored 33 in game one. He is averaging 29.3 points in the playoffs and is the only Cavs player averaging at least 20. Jarret Allen is putting up 17 points a night and is the team’s second-leading scorer. The centre has however missed the last four games with a rib issue. The Cavaliers are averaging 95.8 points in these playoffs and are shooting 43.6% from the field. Aside from Allen, Dean Wade, Ty Jerome, and Craig Porter Jr. have also been unavailable for the Cavs due to injury.