Can the Celtics Surprise the Cavs Again As Huge Underdogs?

Just when seemingly everyone had already written them off, somehow, someway, the Boston Celtics played the role of David and won Game 3 on the road over LeBron James and the Goliath Cleveland Cavaliers. With Game 4 set for Tuesday in Northeast Ohio, sportsbooks opened the Celts as 15-point road underdogs with a total of 216.

Shark Bites
  • The Celtics are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games against the Cavaliers.
  • The Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games at home.
  • The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games after a win.

With star point guard Isaiah Thomas out for the season due to a hip injury, the Celtics shocked the world in the form of a 111-108 victory while covering as ridiculous 16-point dogs. Thomas’ backcourt mate Avery Bradley delivered a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.1 seconds left to cap a comeback from a 21-point third-quarter deficit.

Marcus Smart was a non-factor by averaging five points in the first two contests but stepped up to shoot 7-for-10 from 3-point range while producing 27 points and seven assists.

Boston’s biggest accomplishment in Game 3 was limiting James to only 11 points – his fourth-lowest output in 210 career playoff games. King James had notched eight consecutive 30-point efforts before the game and was averaging 34.3 points before disappearing in the second half by missing eight of nine shots and finishing 4-for-13 from the field.

The good news for Cavs bettors is their penchant for rebounding at home. In Cleveland's last 20 home games after losing the most recent tilt in front of their hometown fans, the Cavaliers are 18-2 SU.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Those looking to pick the visitors as their prediction to cover in this one found the Boston Celtics listed as 15-point underdogs earlier at Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the OVER/UNDER total betting line for this game was set at 216 at Sportsbook but may have moved since the betting odds opened.

Handicapping prediction models run by the computers at Odds Shark pick a 123-96 result in favor of the Cavaliers. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Cleveland Cavaliers bring a 61-32 record (42-47-4 ATS) to the battle against the 62-36 Boston Celtics, who are 51-46-1 ATS. Fans OVER/UNDER betting have seen Cleveland Cavaliers go 55-36-2 so far and the Boston Celtics go 47-47-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cleveland vs Boston injuries news.

The Odds Shark betting Power Rankings have the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 17 and the Boston Celtics at No. 11 heading into this NBA contest.

Statistical Matchup

In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Cleveland's No. 16-rated NBA squad against Boston's No. 27-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Cleveland rates No. 2 in the league with 13.2 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 3 with 12.17 per outing.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Boston earned a 111-108 victory over Cleveland on Sunday, getting 27 points from Marcus Smart at Quicken Loans Arena.

Betting Trends
  • Boston is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games
  • Boston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
  • Cleveland is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
  • Cleveland is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 14 of Cleveland's last 19 games
  • Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home

Next Betting Matchups

Boston home to Cleveland, Thursday, May 25th

The Celtics are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games at home.home The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games after a win.away
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