Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 3/8/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The Boston Celtics pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Boston Celtics Betting Preview 

The Boston Celtics have been on fire as they’ve won 13 of their last 15 games overall and they will be eager to stay hot after blowing past the Mavericks in a 120-100 home win on Friday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, Derrick White added 20 points on eight of 16 shooting, Neemias Queta tallied 16 points with 15 rebounds while Jayson Tatum racked up 15 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists in his first game back in the lineup. As a team, the Celtics shot 47 percent from the field and 16 of 48 from the 3-point line as they shook off a slow start and poured in 37 points in the second quarter to take the lead into halftime and they showed no signs of slowing down in this one as they finished with a flurry to secure the win and cover as double digit favorites. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been in great shape as they’ve won 15 of their last 19 games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after outlasting the Pistons in a 113-109 home win on Tuesday. Jaylon Tyson led the team with 22 points on eight of 15 shooting, Evan Mobley and James Harden each scored 18 points while Dennis Schroder chipped in with 15 points and five assists off the bench. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 44 percent from the field and 17 of 46 from the 3-point line as they poured in 35 points in the third quarter to turn a six-point halftime lead into an 11-point lead which proved to be just enough to just stay ahead of the Pistons the rest of the way. 

Boston v Cleveland Free Prediction

The Celtics are slightly shorthanded with Nikola Vucevic ruled out with a right ring finger fracture, while the Cavaliers have ruled out Jarrett Allen and Max Strus with Jaylon Tyson listed as questionable. The Celtics looked great in their first game with Tatum back in the lineup and they will like their chances against the Cavaliers who they’ve already beaten twice this season. The Cavaliers expect to have Donovan Mitchell back in the lineup which is a major boost, but it would be a loss if Tyson isn’t able to suit up. With that being said, I am leaning towards the healthier Celtics squad who represent decent value as the underdogs in this spot.

Peter Tran's Pick: Boston +1.5