The Boston Celtics (11-10) meet the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-16) at TD Garden. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 30, 2018.
Boston opened as a 13.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 209 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics Free Prediction
The Cavaliers were not able to cover as 13-point underdogs in their 100-83 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last outing. The total points for the game (183) were well under the O/U total of 215. One of Oklahoma City’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Cavaliers were just 4-9 (44.4 percent). Collin Sexton had a good performance for Cleveland, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Celtics’ last matchup, they beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-107, despite being 2-point underdogs. The total points for the game (231) were just over the projected point total of 228.5. The Celtics forced 22 turnovers and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.1 (above their season average of 21.5). Kyrie Irving was Boston’s leading scorer with 26 points on 10-for-22 shooting from the field.
After the Cavaliers won six out of 10 contests against the Celtics last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Cleveland won 87-79. One of Cleveland’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Boston had 19.
Cleveland heads into the game with records of 4-16 straight up (SU) and 10-10 against the spread (ATS). Of the Cavaliers’ 20 games, 12 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Boston is 11-10 SU and 8-13 ATS. Contrary to Cleveland, a little over half of Celtics games have finished over the projected point total.
Sexton has averaged 19 points over the last five games for Cleveland.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Boston currently ranks 21st in possessions per game (101.8) and Cleveland is 29th (98.6). Furthermore, the 24th-ranked offense of the Cavaliers (offensive efficiency of 104.9) will face a tough test against the second-ranked defense of the Celtics (defensive efficiency of 101.1).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Cleveland is 6-4 ATS on the road with 6 unders and 4 overs.
Boston is 4-4 ATS at home with 4 overs and 4 unders.
When allowing under 100 points, Cleveland is 1-2 and Boston is 5-2.
When reaching 100 points, the Celtics are 11-7 and the Cavaliers are 4-8.
Boston ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (35.9) while Cleveland ranks last (23.9).
The Cavaliers rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while the Celtics rank 23rd (46.5).
Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (5.8).
The Celtics rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while the Cavaliers rank 21st (17.9).
Boston ranks eighth in fast break points per game (15.3) while Cleveland ranks 26th (10.7).
The Celtics rank 10 in assists per game (24.428571428571427) while the Cavaliers rank 28 (19.6).
Boston ranks 5 in points allowed in the paint per game (44.57142857142857) while Cleveland ranks 22 (50.3).
The Cavaliers rank 9 in second chance points per game (14.8) while the Celtics rank 25 (12.19047619047619).
Boston ranks 4 in steals allowed per game (7.095238095238095) while Cleveland ranks 17 (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five games, Cleveland is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Boston is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 7.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 112.6 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.0 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
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