Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 14/05/2024, 01:52  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics will welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers for game five of the two sides' Eastern Conference semi-final matchup. They lead the series 3-1 and will advance to the conference final with victory here. The Celtics are one win away from a sixth conference final appearance in eight seasons. They continued their impeccable away record in these playoffs by winning games three and four in Cleveland. Joe Mazzulla’s men eliminated the Heat in five games in round one and won both road matches. They are in the same position again and will likely close out this series in five. Jason Tatum scored a game-high 33 points and Jaylen Brown put up 27 to power Boston to a 109-102 victory in game four. It was the closest margin between the two with the first three games seeing the winner win by double digits. The Celtics, who have been without the injured Kristap Porzingis for the last five games, are averaging 107.6 points.

The Cavaliers are facing an elimination game. They have to win here if they are to keep their season alive. J.B. Bickerstaff’s men took game two in Boston and had momentum as the series switched to Cleveland. They however were unable to protect home court. In game two, the Cavs had three players score over 20 points and shot 46% from three. None of these replicated itself in games three and four. The Cavs have had to deal with more on the injury front than the Celtics. First-choice centre Jarret Allen, the team’s second-leading scorer in the postseason, has missed the last seven games. He was joined on the sidelines in game four by leading scorer Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell missed the game with a calf strain. Ty Jerome and Craig Porter Jr. are also in the treatment room. The Cavs are averaging under 100 points a game in the postseason.