The Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers series shifts to Ohio on Saturday after the teams split two games at TD Garden. Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs host Jayson Tatum and the Celtics for Game 3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday. The Celtics are averaging 107.6 points per game in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the Cavs are logging 98.2 points per game in the postseason. Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is listed as out for this matchup. Jarrett Allen (rib) is questionable.
The game from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Boston is a 7.5-point favorite in the latest Cavaliers vs. Celtics odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 211. Before making any Celtics vs. Cavaliers picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the conference semifinals in the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following the model has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Cavs and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the NBA betting lines and trends for Cavs vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. Cavaliers spread: Boston -7.5
- Celtics vs. Cavaliers over/under: 211 points
- Celtics vs. Cavaliers money line: Boston -303, Cleveland +246
- CLE: 4-1 ATS this season against Boston
- BOS: 47-39-3 ATS this season
- Celtics vs. Cavaliers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Cavaliers can cover
The Cavaliers needed everyone to step up in Game 2 and that's what forward Evan Mobley did. Mobley has the skillset to thrive in the paint with a soft touch around the rim. The USC product can handle the rock for his size (6'11) and will hit the perimeter jumpers too. He averages 13.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this postseason. In Thursday's win, Mobley totaled a playoff-high 21 points, 10 boards and five assists.
Guard Darius Garland is a floor general in the backcourt. Garland scans the floor constantly while owning a quick jumper off the dribble. He also has a nice floater in the lane and excels in the pick-and-roll. In the 2024 NBA playoffs, Garland drops 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. In his last outing, Garland had 14 points, seven boards and four assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Derrick White has been Boston's most consistent playmaker this postseason. White scores from all three levels and has a well-rounded game plan. The Colorado product has been Boston's best shooting option but can be an effective passer if needed. He's putting up 21 points, 3.7 assists, and shooting a team-high 45% from 3-point land. In Game 1, White had 25 points and seven threes.
Guard Jaylen Brown provides his squad with an athletic two-way threat. Brown excels in transition and when he puts the ball on the deck to attack the lane. The California product uses his length to be disruptive altering shots and being an energetic defender. He logs a team-high 23.6 points with 6.4 rebounds per contest. On May 7, Brown notched 32 points and six boards. See which team to pick here.
How to make Cavaliers vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 213 combined points. It also says one side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Cavaliers, and which side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and find out.
