Eastern Conference powerhouses clash tonight at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse as the Boston Celtics visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs have lost two straight and will look to get back on track against a Boston team that handed it its first loss two weeks ago.
My Celtics vs. Cavaliers predictions expect Cleveland to emerge victorious in a high-scoring game and Jarrett Allen to get it done down low. Read my NBA picks to see why you should back Cleveland tonight.
Celtics vs Cavaliers prediction
My best bet
Over 234.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Boston Celtics have been lauded for their tremendous offense for the past two seasons, and Boston set the record for the best offensive rating by a team in NBA history in 2023-24. This year's Celtics are just a hair-off that mark as the team continues to play elite basketball.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been an excellent defensive team in recent seasons, but the Cavs have never been truly elite offensively. That’s changed this season thanks to across-the-board contributions from starters and much-improved play from the bench. Cleveland sits just behind Boston in offensive rating this season and is on pace to be historically great on offense.
The Celtics rank first in offensive rating (121.5), and the Cavs rank third (121.2). Cleveland has averaged the most points per game this season at 122.4; Boston is second at 121.2. The Cavs have scored an NBA-best 124.5 points per game at home. The Celtics average 123.6 on the road, also an NBA best.
These two teams combined to score 237 points when they met back on November 19, and the Over has cashed in each of the last three meetings.
Celtics vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Over 234.5
Cavaliers moneyline
Jarrett Allen double-double
Cleveland is 10-1 straight up at home compared to 7-2 on the road, with a +12.3 net rating at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse compared to just +6.7 away from home. Cleveland started the season 15-0 before taking its first L to the Celtics and dropping three of its last five overall.
I expect the Cavs to get back on track and play a great game against a rival. The Cavs are 14-6 ATS this season and have covered in three straight against the Celtics. Boston, meanwhile, is just 8-11 ATS this season. Give me the home team.
Jarrett Allen’s double-double line is also set at plus-money odds, which is a bit perplexing. He’s gone for 10+ points and 10+ rebounds in 14 of 20 games this season, good for 70%, yet this prop by itself is available at +120.
He posted a double-double against Boston in the first meeting, but that was at TD Garden. He's averaged 15.5 points and 11.6 rebounds at home compared to 13.2 and 9.6 on the road. He’s double-doubled in nine of 11 home games this season, and I expect him to do so again against a Celtics defense that's allowed the 10th-most rebounds and third-most paint points.
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Celtics vs Cavaliers odds
Celtics vs Cavaliers live odds
Celtics vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: Boston -1.5 | Cleveland +1.5
- Moneyline: Boston -120 | Cleveland +100
- Over/Under: Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Celtics vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- Boston has won seven straight but covered in just two of those, bringing the team’s record to 16-3 SU and 8-11 ATS.
- Despite losing three of five, Cleveland covered in three of five to improve its ATS record to 14-6.
- The Celtics have hit the Over in five of seven during the current win streak and are 10-8-1 O/U this season.
- The Cavs have hit the Over in four of five, and Cleveland has gone Over in 13 of 20 games.
Celtics vs Cavaliers trend
The Celtics have won seven of their last 10 meetings with the Cavaliers, and the home team is 7-3 over that span. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Celtics vs Cavaliers
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-1-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBATV |
Celtics vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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