Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: Analysis and Prediction – Cleveland Cavaliers will host Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs Game 3.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers Team News
After seven games against the Orlando Magic and relatively little time to rest before their first matchup against the Boston Celtics, it’s evident that the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t stand a chance. However, they regrouped as a team and played a fantastic second game, which they won with a score of 118:94, tying the series at 1-1.
It’s quite clear that the Cleveland Cavaliers largely depend on Donovan Mitchell’s performance. In the first game, he was the most productive with 33 points, but lacked support from his teammates. During the second game, he once again led the team in scoring while also recording nine assists with an excellent three-point shooting percentage (5/7). The Cavaliers coaching staff realized that three-point shooting is their weakest aspect, so after starting with 11/42 in the first game, they reduced the number of three-point attempts in the second game but with much better efficiency (13/28). Caris LeVert and Evan Mobley made significant contributions on both ends of the court, each scoring over 20 points, and Darius Garland played with much more control, which was productive for the rest of the team. Max Strus has been struggling to find his three-point shot, so the Cavaliers could perform even better, but the question remains whether it will be too late by then.
The formula for a good result is identical to the second game. Donovan Mitchell must set the pace of the game and involve his teammates in addition to his individual performance. They need to have good shot selection, as they have shown that their shooting percentages can be high when they are on point. Also, they must avoid getting into a shootout with the opponent and prevent the game from turning into a three-point shooting contest, as it could be detrimental to them.
Boston Celtics Team News
The Boston Celtics were the most dominant team in the entire NBA during the regular season. They showcased their dominance in the first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it seems they underestimated their opponent in the second game, resulting in a loss and now a tied series at 1-1.
The absence of Kristaps Porzingis due to injury clearly left a mark on the team, as they lost a lot in rebounding and three-point shooting without him. It’s not just about Porzingis’s own three-point shooting; his presence on the court often stretches the defense for the rest of the team, leading to situations where all five players are positioned outside the three-point line. This has affected the shooting percentages of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White’s shot selection hasn’t been productive either. White made history in the NBA playoffs as only the fourth individual to make at least 20 three-pointers in three consecutive playoff games, but that streak was halted during the second game where he shot a dismal 1/8 from beyond the arc. It seems that the contribution from the bench is not satisfactory, and the Boston Celtics have relied too much on three-point shooting. In the second game, they attempted 35 three-pointers compared to 45 two-point attempts, revealing their weakness inside where they struggle to score against the Cavaliers.
The Boston Celtics must first and foremost take their opponent seriously and show a much higher level of commitment in the third game. Ball movement and controlling the pace are crucial for them to exploit their most potent weapon – three-point shooting. Similarly, they need to be much more aggressive in the paint, as in the second game, they allowed the Cavaliers to score 60 points in the paint.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics H2H
Absences and Injuries
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to secure a break in TD Garden, and this will be their first home game against the Boston Celtics. Despite the visiting team being far more complete and of higher quality overall, they haven’t performed well in Ohio recently. In the last five matchups where the Cleveland Cavaliers were the hosts, they have beaten the Boston Celtics four times, with two of those games going into overtime. The Celtics have only won once, with a six-point difference. Therefore, we expect resistance from the hosts, and they’re unlikely to lose by a margin greater than the offered margin. Likewise, it wouldn’t be surprising if they manage to pull off a win in a close finish.
Tip-off Time: Sunday, 12.05.2024, 02:30 CET
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers +8.5
Odds: 1.76
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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