Boston Celtics (42-17) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (48-10)
Game Info: Friday, February 28, 2025 at 7:30 pm (TD Garden)
Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -2.5 -- Over/Under: 233.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN
The Boston Celtics are set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, February 28, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston. This matchup features the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, with the Cavaliers leading at 48-10 and the Celtics closely trailing at 42-17. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The Cavaliers are currently on an impressive eight-game winning streak, including a dominant 122-82 victory over the Orlando Magic in their last outing. In that game, Cleveland showcased their offensive prowess, shooting 56.3% from the field and connecting on 19 of 32 three-point attempts.
The Celtics, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a 117-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Despite the setback, Boston has been strong at home this season and will aim to leverage their home-court advantage.
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Derrick White Over 15.5 Points
Derrick White is averaging 16.3 points per game for the Boston Celtics during the 2024-25 NBA season. This marks an increase from his 15.2 points per game in the previous season. In addition to his scoring, White contributes 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.7%. White's performance has been instrumental in the Celtics' success this season, providing consistent scoring and leadership on the court.
Taking the over on Derek White's points has been my favorite props over the last month. White has scored 16 or more points in eight of his last 10 games and has been one of the Celtics' more consistent scores as of late. With how much attention Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Garner from defenses, it opens things up for Derek White to get good looks.
Kristaps Porzingis Under 20.5 Points
Kristaps Porziņģis has played 32 games for the Boston Celtics in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 18.9 points per game. This scoring average reflects a slight decrease from his 20.1 points per game during the 2023-24 season, in which he played 57 games and secured his first NBA championship. Porziņģis's shooting efficiency this season includes a field goal percentage of 47.4% and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.3%. In addition to his scoring, he contributes 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
Porzingis's scoring numbers have been inconsistent as of late. He's only scored over 20 points just once in his last eight games. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Boston, and with how well Derek White has been playing lately, he's gotten an increased role. With Porzingis being in the paint guarded by Mobley and Allen all game, I don't see this being the game where he bounces back from a scoring perspective.
Evan Mobley Over 17.5 Points
Evan Mobley has played 52 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 18.7 points per game. This marks an increase from his 15.7 points per game in the previous season. Mobley's shooting efficiency this season includes a field goal percentage of 57.1% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36.7%. In addition to his scoring, he contributes 9.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Mobley has scored 18 or more points in seven of his last 10 games. He's coming off a game where he only scored 17 against the Orlando Magic, but that game was such a blowout that the Cavs sat their starters for most of the fourth quarter. In what should be a closing competitive game, I expect Mobley to have another strong night scoring the ball.
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AUTHOR: Brad Francis
