The Cleveland Cavaliers (5-1) welcome the Boston Celtics (4-2) to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Wednesday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Celtics come into this game rested, having won their last matchup 112-94 Sunday against the Washington Wizards, covering as 9.5-point favorites. Boston’s prior game was a 132-123 overtime loss to Cleveland Friday.
Cavaliers Gs Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert scored 41 points each for in that meeting. Mitchell has been the team’s offensive leader this season, averaging 32.2 points per game and having topped 30 in all but one game.
The reigning Eastern Conference Champion Celtics received 32 points each from stars F Jayson Tatum and G Jaylen Brown in the loss. Tatum leads the team 30.8 points per game this season.
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Celtics at Cavaliers odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:48 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Cavaliers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -2.0 (-112) | Cavaliers +2.0 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Celtics at Cavaliers key injuries
Celtics
- C Robert Williams III (knee) out
Cavaliers
- G Darius Garland (eye) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at Cavaliers picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 112, Cavaliers 107
Moneyline
PASS.
I like Boston (-135) here, but with a 2-point spread and late-game fouling taken into consideration, I’ll pass on the moneyline.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -2.0 (-112).
This line begs you to take the underdog Cavaliers — the home team with the better record and having already beaten this opponent. That doesn’t add up, especially with the potential return of Garland.
Despite Boston having the league’s best turnover rate, and Cleveland ranking 21st, the Celtics had more giveaways in their first battle which likely led to the outcome of the first meeting. Similarly, the Cavs needed a career game from LeVert, a 43.5% career shooter who shot 57.1% on the night, to escape in overtime.
I wouldn’t expect that to happen again. Boston was 19-9 ATS as a road favorite since the start of the 2021 season.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 222.5 (-112).
Neither team ranks top 25 in pace, so the speed of play should be slow. Friday’s matchup was at 228 points before extra time, so relatively close to this total.
Both teams shot over 50% in that battle, so regression is almost required as that is doubtful to repeat itself. Both teams were also over 39% from the 3-point line.
Considering the style of play and recent performances expected to simmer, I would back the UNDER 222.5 (-112) here.
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