The Boston Celtics (6-6) begin a three-game road trip with the first of two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-5) Saturday. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Celtics have won two in a row and four of their last five games. They picked up a 122-113 overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks Friday. G Dennis Schroder had 38 points and F Jayson Tatum added 27 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
The Cavaliers also played Friday when they beat the Detroit Pistons 98-78 behind G Darius Garland‘s 21 points and 7 assists. They have won five of their last six games.
Celtics at Cavaliers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:26 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Celtics -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Cavaliers +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -2.5 (-115) | Cavaliers +2.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 201.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Celtics at Cavaliers key injuries
Celtics
- G Jaylen Brown (hamstring) questionable
Cavaliers
- F Lauri Markkanen (health and safety protocols) questionable
- F Kevin Love (health and safety protocols) questionable
- G Collin Sexton (knee) out
Celtics at Cavaliers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 102, Celtics 98
Money line
The Celtics are 4-3 so far this season on the road and have allowed 93 points per game across their last five overall.
The Cavs continue to surprise to start the season. They allow the third-fewest points in the league at 102.2 per game and are 3-2 at home.
Take the CAVALIERS (+120).
Against the spread
Boston is 7-5 ATS this season, outperforming its overall win-loss record. The Celtics are 5-3 ATS as favorites and 5-2 ATS on the road.
Cleveland has the league’s best record against the spread this season at 10-3. The Cavaliers have been the dogs in all but one game this entire season, going 9-3 ATS in the process.
As I expect the Cavs to pick up an outright win at home Saturday night, take the CAVALIERS +2.5 (-107).
Over/Under
The projected total is quite low, and it makes sense.
The Cavs have six games that have not reached 202 total points; three of the Celtics’ last five did not reach 202 points.
Both teams have seen more games stay Under than hit the Over this season.
I lean UNDER 201.5 (-107) even with the low projected total.
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