Boston Celtics - Cleveland Cavaliers predictions and free betting tips [07/05/2024]

The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers will square off today in the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals today.

The Boston Celtics

The Celtics are set to start the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a well-rested team, following their 4-1 series win against Miami. Kristaps Porziņģis is expected to miss the entire second round due to a right calf injury obtained in the series against Miami. Despite this significant absence, Porziņģis is actively working on his return to the court. The Boston Celtics have shown high offensive efficiency in the first round, placing fifth in the playoffs with an average of 108 points per game. Defensively, they're notable too, claiming second place by allowing just over 92 points per game. They lead in three-pointers in the playoffs, making an average of 15 successful shots per game. Players Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jason Tatum are each scoring more than 21 points per game on average.

During the regular season, the Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers twice and lost one game when Mitchell was out for the Cavs. The Celtics are aiming for their third consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, banking on their ability to overcome a weary Cavaliers side. The team employs a successful offense with 47.4% field goal percentage and a 38.5% three point percentage. Jaylen Brown (averaging 22.8ppg, 7.0rpg, and 2.2apg), Jason Tatum (21.8ppg and 10.4rpg) and Derrick White (22.4ppg and 3.2apg) display high performance, making the team a tough competitor for the championship. Kristaps Porziņģis contributes 12.3ppg and 1.5 blocks per game.

The Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers showed resilience by defeating the Orlando Magic in a nail-biting 4-3 series, gaining the opportunity to face Boston in the second round. Cavs' leader Donovan Mitchell made a notable impact, scoring 39 points in Game 7, having already raked in 50 points in the prior two games. Over the last three games, he has scored 119 points, exhibiting his leadership in crucial moments. Caris LeVert has also made a significant contribution, scoring 15 points in the last game and helping the team orchestrate one of the most notable comebacks in NBA Playoff history.

The Cavs rank 12th in the playoff series for points scored, averaging just under 95 per game, and have the lowest three-point percentage. They rank fifth in points allowed, conceding 101 points per game, and third in field goal defense. In terms of three-point shooting defense, they allow opponents to score only 10 three-pointers per game. Furthermore, the team is last in rebounds and steals in the playoffs.
Key centre Jarrett Allen missed the last three games due to a rib injury, but his contribution during the regular season was notable, averaging 17.0ppg and 13.8rpg. Mitchell continues to be a key player for the Cavs, averaging nearly 29ppg in the playoffs. Cleveland now faces the challenge of not just dominating at home, but claiming a victory in Boston to contend for the Eastern Conference Finals. A decision regarding Allen's participation will be made shortly before the game.

Boston Celtics - Cleveland Cavaliers match prediction

Considering how much effort the Cavs exerted to just edge out the Orlando newcomers, it appears they're left without a fighting chance against the well-rested and powerful Celtics. I predict that the Boston Celtics' ITO (Individual Total Over) will exceed 111,5 points. After a low-scoring series, and without Allen, the Cavaliers' defense will struggle to contain Boston's fantastic offensive performance.