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The Cleveland Cavaliers (17-3) welcome the Boston Celtics (16-3) to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Sunday for a clash of the top 2 teams in the Eastern Conference. Tip is set for 6 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Celtics lead 1-0, ending the Cavaliers 15-game win streak to open the season 120-117 in Boston on Nov. 19
The Celtics have rattled off 7 straight wins and are coming off a 138-129 road victory over the Chicago Bulls Friday, closing as a 12-point favorite. While they have won often, they haven’t covered and are just 8-11 against the spread (ATS) and 2-5 ATS in their recent win streak. Boston is led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 28.7 points per game.
The Cavaliers, who were the hottest team in the NBA to start the season, have lost back-to-back games to the Atlanta Hawks, the last a 117-101 defeat on the road Friday as a 5.5-point favorite. G Darius Garland led the Cavs with 29 points. Cleveland has covered in 5 of its last 7 games and is 14-6 ATS on the season.
Celtics at Cavaliers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Cavaliers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -1.5 (-105) | Cavaliers +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 232.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Celtics at Cavaliers key injuries
Celtics
- G Jrue Holiday (adductor) questionable
- C Al Horford (toe) questionable
- C Kristaps Porzingis (tibialis tendon) questionable
- G Derrick White (foot) questionable
Cavaliers
- G Max Strus (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Celtics at Cavaliers picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 119, Celtics 115
Moneyline
BET CAVALIERS (+100).
The Cavaliers have lost only once in 11 games at home this season and have wins over the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks at home. Cleveland has covered in 4 of its last 5 home games, and with a spread this small, that strength at home helps.
The Celtics have consistently won this season and handed the Cavaliers their first loss of the season. However, they won by just one score despite shooting 54% from 3 and should regress in their efficiency Sunday. Boston has also failed to cover in 2 straight. The Celtics are also banged up with many key frontcourt players questionable.
Considering those trends, back CAVALIERS (+100).
Against the spread
PASS.
With a slim spread, the better value is for the home side to win outright is this one. Play that instead of getting slightly worse odds on the spread.
Over/Under
BET OVER 232.5 (-110).
If there’s one thing both teams can both do, it is score points. The Celtics are 10-8-1 O/U on the season and are 6-2 O/U in their last 8 games. Boston has scored at least 126 points in 2 straight games.
The Cavaliers have scored at least 122 points 3 times in the last 4 games and at least 117 points in 6 of their last 7. They are 13-7 O/U on the season. Put it all together and back OVER 232.5 (-110).
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