The Cleveland Cavaliers (3-1) visit the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics (3-1) Friday. Tipoff from TD Garden is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Cavaliers vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Cavaliers are riding hot on a 3-game win streak after starting their season with a 108-105 loss at the Toronto Raptors Oct. 19th. All 3 of their wins have come vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
Newly acquired G Donovan Mitchell is looking like a phenomenal pickup at this point of the season, leading the team with 28.5 points and 7.3 assists per game. C Jarret Allen has not lost a step after being selected to his 1st All-Star Game last season and is averaging 13.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, the latter of which leads the team.
The Celtics dropped their last game 120-102 at the Chicago Bulls Monday. That was their 1st defeat on the season after a 3-0 start.
Superstar F Jayson Tatum is looking like an early-season MVP candidate with averages of 32.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, which both lead the team. The big 3 of Tatum, G Jaylen Brown, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year G Marcus Smart are looking to make it back to the Finals after losing in 6 games to the Golden State Warriors last year.
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Cavaliers at Celtics odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:13 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Celtics -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +6.5 (-115) | Celtics -6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Cavaliers at Celtics key injuries
Cavaliers
- G Darius Garland (eye) out
- G Ricky Rubio (knee) out
Celtics
- F Danilo Gallinari (knee) out
- F Grant Williams (suspension) out
- C Robert Williams III (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Cavaliers at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 115, Celtics 108
Moneyline
BET 0.3 UNITS ON CAVALIERS (+205).
The Celtics are missing their 2 best interior defenders and will be facing one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.
Against the spread
BET A FULL UNIT ON CAVALIERS +6.5 (-115).
This is your BEST BET for this game. The Cavs are a very scrappy team that will prove in this game why they are a legitimate contender to win the East. They have enough talent to come away with the win despite missing one of their all-stars with Garland sidelined.
The Cavaliers lead the NBA in average points differential (+12.5), and while I don’t believe they will win this game by that large of a margin, the hot streak that they are on will carry into this game — even as the away team.
If you want to take part in this full-unit bet and add it to the moneyline wager, go for it. Just don’t bet more than 1.3 units combined between the 2 wagers.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 218.5 (-112).
Both of these offenses are ranked in the top half of the NBA in points per game, but neither is outstanding. The Celtics are missing a lot of defenders due to injuries/suspensions and the Cavaliers should be able to score in the paint at will.
Expect both team’s stars to carry them heavily in this game, but the fast break is where the Cavaliers should push this OVER 218.5 (-112).
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