Boston Celtics (69-19) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (52-38)
Game Info: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm (TD Garden)
Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -13.5 --- Over/Under: 212.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics duke it out in a pivotal Game 2 at the TD Garden on Thursday night. Here's a Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Prediction.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be hoping for a better performance after getting demolished by the Celtics in an ugly 120-95 loss in Game 1 on Tuesday. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 33 points, six rebounds and five assists, Evan Mobley added 17 points with 13 rebounds and three assists while Darius Garland chipped in with 14 points and five assists. As a team, the Cavaliers shot just 41 percent from the field and 11 of 42 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace from the start, scoring just 15 points in the second quarter to fall behind by 10 points at halftime and the margin only grew from that point as the Cavaliers just got next to nothing from their bench players.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Donovan Mitchell ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.8) this season.
- Evan Mobley ranks 11th amongst qualified players for FG% (58.0%) this season.
Boston Celtics
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are sitting comfortable in the driver's seat after taking care of business in a dominant home win in Game 1 on Tuesday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 32 points on 12 of 18 shooting, Derrick White added 25 points with five assists while Jayson Tatum chipped in with 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. As a team, the Celtics shot 48 percent from the field and 18 of 46 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 40 points in the first quarter to take control early and they just ran away with it in the second half where they outscored by Cavaliers by 61-46 to maintain home court advantage. Jrue Holiday had a quiet game of just 14 points, but the Celtics received a spark from Payton Pritchard who scored 16 points off the bench.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Al Horford ranks 1st amongst qualified Centers for 3P% (41.9%) this season.
- Jrue Holiday ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (42.9%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+11.3).
- The Celtics rank T1st in the league for blocks per game this season (6.6).
- The Cavaliers are one of only two teams to lose a game when leading by 20+ points at HT this season.
- The Cavaliers rank 3rd in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (26.9).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Cavaliers could be shorthanded again with Jarrett Allen listed as questionable once again, while the Celtics will again be without the injured Kristaps Porzingis. The Cavaliers were able to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in a thrilling series decider, but they weren't able to keep that momentum going against a red-hot Celtics squad who made it look easy on Tuesday. The Cavaliers weren't able to win a road game against the Magic in the previous round. I think that trend continues here as the Celtics stroll their way to another comfortable win and cover at home to go up 2-0 in the series.
Peter’s Pick Boston -13.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
