The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) take on the Boston Celtics (2-0) at Quicken Loans Arena in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals. The game will air on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 205 points with Cleveland opening as a 6-point favorite.
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction
In game two, the Cavaliers lost 107-94, unable to cover as 1-point underdogs. James notched a triple-double with 42 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 201 points, which was just 4 points below the projected point total of 205 points. The Celtics had a much better turnover percentage (4.7 vs. 14.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.185 vs. 0.125).
This showdown pits one of the league’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Cleveland currently ranks fifth in offensive efficiency and Boston is second in defensive efficiency.
Boston heads into the contest with records of 65-31 straight up (SU) and 59-33-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Celtics’ 96 games, 50 have finished over the O/U total.
Cleveland is 58-37 SU, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (36-57-2 ATS). Contrary to Boston, just over half of Cavaliers games have finished under the total.
For the playoffs, the Cavaliers are 13-8 with 11 unders, nine overs and one push while the Celtics are 3-3 ATS with five unders and one over
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jayson Tatum (21.2 points and 3.4 assists) has been great for the Celtics while Kevin Love (19.8 points and 10.8 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Cavaliers.
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Boston is 30-16 ATS with 24 unders, 21 overs and 1 push.
At home, Cleveland is 14-32-1 ATS with 25 unders, 21 overs and 1 push.
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Boston is 41-6 and Cleveland is 19-5.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Cavaliers are 55-18 and the Celtics are 51-14.
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.4) while Cleveland ranks 28th (25.3).
The Celtics rank eighth in three pointers allowed per game (27.5) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (31.1).
Boston ranks 10th in rebounds per game (44.3) while Cleveland ranks 25th (41.7).
The Celtics rank third in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Cavaliers rank 16th (12.8).
Cleveland ranks 14th in fast break points per game (12.0) while Boston ranks 27th (9.6).
The Celtics rank 19th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (3.8).
Boston ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Cleveland ranks 11th (7.3).
The Cavaliers rank 23rd in points in the paint per game (43.4) while the Celtics rank 29th (40.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, up from 3.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 107.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.2 points per game (4.8 below their season average).
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