Double-digit point spreads are rare sights in the NBA Playoffs, becoming even scarcer the deeper you go down the bracket. That isn't the case when you're the Boston Celtics.
The scoring of Derrick White has played a big part in these huge spreads, but my Cavs vs. Celtics prediction doesn't expect the bald baller to eclipse his points total of 17.5 tonight.
Find out why in my NBA picks for this May 9 affair.
Cavaliers vs Celtics predictions
My best bet
Derrick White Under 17.5 points (-115 at bet365)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
Derrick White has been white hot for the Boston Celtics in the postseason.
The point guard is coming off a 25-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, which is his third straight 25-point effort that was highlighted by scoring 38 against the Heatles in Game 4 of the first-round series.
White, who averaged just over 15 points per game in the regular season, is feeling it — especially from long range. During this three-game tear, he’s shot a collective 20-for-37 from deep and is clicking at 58% from the floor overall.
That has White’s scoring prop totals soaring, jumping from 12.5 points midway through the Miami matchup to as high as 17.5 O/U for tonight’s Game 2.
Even given his current form, this total feels like a tipping point. White’s efforts have helped make up for quiet games from Boston superstar Jayson Tatum, who’s scored just 18, 16, and 20 in the past three playoff games, shooting a combined 38% over those contests.
Game 2 player projections forecast a return to form for Tatum, with most models calling for 26 to 27 points from the Celtics’ top gun. Second option, Jaylen Brown, is projected for 23-24 points. That doesn’t leave many touches or buckets for White to topple his tallest scoring prop.
Not only do I expect Boston’s other stars to step up, but the Cavs will show White a lot more respect, with an emphasis on getting their heels above the 3-point arc in an effort to cool his hot hand.
Cleveland head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after the Game 1 loss that his team didn't make a great adjustment from playing Orlando's lack of perimeter threats to a Celtics squad that launches a league-high in 3-pointers.
You go from a team that didn’t shoot a lot of threes to one that wants to shoot a whole bunch. We have to do a better job at limiting the amount of 3-pointers that they took.
Player models range from 14.1 to 16.6 points for White in Game 2, with the bulk of those forecasts below 16 points. My number comes out to 15.7 points for the C’s point guard, and we’re already seeing movement on the Under 17.5 at sharper books Thursday morning.
The Under 17.5 has moved from -103 vig to as expensive as -136, and one operator has dropped a full points to 16.5 O/U. However, you can find Under 17.5 priced as low as -115 at bet365.
Cavaliers vs Celtics same-game parlay (SGP)
Derrick White Under 17.5 Points
Jayson Tatum Over 2.5 3-Pointers
Boston Celtics moneyline
White won’t get a pass from the Cavs' defense, and player projections strongly support a tipping point with his scoring prop reaching new heights.
Tatum hasn’t shot the ball well in the past three games, but he’s just too good to stay cold. He’s still chucking it from long range, and many models call for three makes from deep tonight.
Boston has done well against the monstrous postseason spreads, but we’ll tack on the moneyline to our SGP and enjoy the “early payout” option from bet365, which hits if the Celtics get up by 20 points at any time.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cavaliers vs Celtics odds
Cavaliers vs Celtics live odds
Get the latest Cavaliers vs Celtics NBA playoff odds for Game 2.
Cavaliers vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland +13 (-110) | Boston -13 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cleveland +525 | Boston -750
- Over/Under: Over 212.5 (-110) | Under 212.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
• Following Boston’s 25-point victory in Game 1, oddsmakers upped the ante and opened the Game 2 spread at Celtics -13. That hefty line has inched up to -13.5 across the market as of Thursday morning.
• The Game 2 total hit the board at 212.5 points O/U after Game 1 topped the closing number of 211 points. Boston is 3-3 O/U in the postseason, while Cleveland boasts a 4-4 O/U mark.
• According to Covers Consensus data, 55% of picks are laying the pile of points with the Celtics in Game 3. As for the Game 2 total, 61% of picks are taking the Over as of Thursday morning.
• On the injury front, Boston continues to play without center Kristaps Porzingis, who will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the second round due to a calf injury. Cleveland could be down a big man in the middle as well, with center Jarrett Allen listed as questionable with a rib injury that has parked him for the past four games.
Cavaliers vs Celtics trend
The Boston Celtics have won on the first-half moneyline in 32 of their last 36 games (+25.30 Units). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Celtics.
Cavaliers vs Celtics game info
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Thursday, 5-9-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Cavaliers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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