The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics meet for Game 1 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 2nd-round series Tuesday. Tip-off from TD Garden is set for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cavaliers vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Cavaliers had their issues with the Orlando Magic in the 1st-round series, winning in 7 games. The home team was a perfect 7-0 straight up (SU), while Cleveland ended up going just 3-4 against the spread (ATS), including 0-3 SU/ATS on the road in the series. The Over/Under alternated in the past 6 games.
The Celtics made quick work of the Miami Heat in their 1st-round series, winning in 5 games. While Boston let up in Game 2, falling 111-101, that was its only loss and non-cover of the series. The other 4 games were not only victories but wins by 14 or more points with 3 of the wins coming by 20 or more points. The Over went 2-1 in 3 home games for the C’s.
These teams met 3 times in the regular season, twice in Boston and once in Cleveland. The home team went 3-0 SU, while the Cavs went 2-1 ATS. The Under cashed in the past 2 meetings, including a 105-104 win by the Cavs as 8.5-point underdogs March 5 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.