The Boston Celtics took the Golden State Warriors to double overtime before falling short on Friday and will have an opportunity to top the other NBA finalists, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday evening in Beantown. These teams have no shortage of bad blood, as Boston suffered a first-round sweep at the hands of the wine and gold in the 2014-15 postseason but not before Kelly Olynyk knocked All-Star power forward Kevin Love out of the playoffs with a shoulder injury.
The Cavs have been banged up all year long but got closer to full strength when guard Iman Shumpert returned last Friday. Standout point guard Kyrie Irving is very close to returning to action but is not expected to make his season debut tonight.
When the Celts and Cavs collide, low-scoring games are the story. The UNDER has paid out in six of the last seven meetings between the Eastern Conference foes.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sports bettors looking to pick the Boston Celtics as their prediction for this matchup, they were listed earlier as 2.5-point underdogs on the betting odds board at Sportsbook. Those betting on the total over/under for points scored have seen that line set at 201.5 for Tuesday at shops such as Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 105-103 win for the Celtics. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Boston Celtics sit at 14-10 (14-9-1 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Cleveland Cavaliers are currently 15-7 (8-14 ATS). Looking to bet on the points scored total? Boston is 11-13 OU and Cleveland is 12-10 OU. This season the Boston Celtics are 14-10 overall and 14-9-1 ATS against the number, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are 15-7 and 8-14 ATS. As for the totals, Boston is 11-13 on the OU, and Cleveland is 12-10. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Boston vs Cleveland injuries news.
This game pits the Boston Celtics, currently No. 3 in the Odds Shark NBA Power Rankings, against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who rate No. 6 in the most recent survey update.
Statistical Matchup
In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Boston's No. 17-rated NBA squad against Cleveland's No. 8-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Boston rates No. 8 in the league with 9.33 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 5 with 9.95 per outing.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Orlando was run off the court by the Cavaliers on Friday as Cleveland blasted the Magic 111-76 at Amway Center.
Isaiah Thomas scored 21 points and chipped in with 13 assists for Boston on Saturday, leading the Celtics to a 98-93 victory over Charlotte at Time Warner Cable Arena.
Next Betting Matchups
Cleveland home to Oklahoma City, Thursday, December 17th
Boston at Detroit, Wednesday, December 16th