The Boston Celtics will look to bounce back after a tough loss as the series shifts to Ohio for a Game 3 showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers. We’re here to share our NBA odds series, make a Celtics-Cavaliers Game 3 prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.
The Cavaliers destroyed the Celtics 118-94 in Game 2, marking a major upset that shifted the tone of the series. Initially, it was tied at 54 at halftime, but the Cavs ran away with it in the third quarter and then finished it in the final stanza.
Donovan Mitchell led the way with 29 points while shooting 10 for 19, including 5 for 7 from the triples. Also, Evan Mobley had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Darius Garland finished with 14 points while shooting 5 for 8, including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc. Likewise, Max Strus and Isaac Okoro each had 12 points. Caris LeVert tacked on 21 points while shooting 9 for 17.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 25 points while shooting 7 for 17. Also, Jaylen Brown had 19 points while shooting 7 for 17, yet missed all his attempts from the 3-point line. Al Horford had 11 points while shooting 4 for 9, including 3 for 7 from the triples. Additionally, Derrick White had 10 points while shooting 3 for 11, including a pathetic 1 for 8 from beyond the arc. Jrue Holiday was awful, scoring four points while shooting 2 for 7. Meanwhile, Payton Pritchard was again a bright spot off the bench, scoring 13 points.
Here are the NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Playoffs Odds: Celtics-Cavaliers Game 3 Odds
Boston Celtics: -7.5 (-112)
Moneyline: -330
Cleveland Cavaliers: +7.5 (-108)
Moneyline: +265
Over: 212.5 (-110)
Under: 212.5 (-110)
How to Watch Celtics vs. Cavaliers Game 1
Time: 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
TV: ABC
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread/Win
The biggest difference between Game 1 and Game 2 was three-point shooting. Overall, the Celtics were exceptional in Game 1, hitting 39 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. That was not the case in Game 2. Sadly, the Celtics shot just 41.3 percent overall, including only a paltry 22.9 percent from the triples. Losing the board battle 44-31 did not help, either.
Brown did not shoot well after a great Game 1. Thus, he must find a way to bounce back to put the team on his back. White also struggled in Game 2. Ultimately, his inability to hit any shots from beyond the arc hurt the Celtics throughout the game. Tatum continued his rough stretch throughout this series. Significantly, his shooting has been mediocre, and he is not doing enough to help the Celtics. Holiday had an awful night. Moreover, he could not find a rhythm.
But losing the board battle hurt them greatly. Unfortunately, not having Kristaps Porzingis, who is still out for a few weeks, put them at a great disadvantage. The Cavs took advantage of this and made the Celtics pay for it. Furthermore, the defense was horrific. The Celtics allowed the Cavaliers to shoot 54.7 percent from the floor, including 46.4 percent from beyond the arc.
The Celtics will cover the spread if they can bounce back and convert their shooting attempts, including a much better performance from the 3-point line. Then, they need to win the board battle to prevent second chances and also clamp down on defense.
Why The Cavaliers Could Cover The Spread/Win
The Cavaliers understood what went wrong in Game 1. Consequently, their inability to defend the perimeter destroyed any chances they had, as the Celtics routed them because of elite shooting. The Cavs remedied this in Game 2, shooting the basketball better and defending the perimeter much better, thus resulting in a blowout win.
Mitchell continued to play well. Now, he looks to feed off the energy of the home crowd and give the Cavaliers the advantage over the top-seeded team in basketball. Jarrett Allen is still out with a rib injury. If he cannot play, the Cavaliers must overcome his absence once again. Garland bounced back with a big game after a bad Game 1. Meanwhile, Mobley had another good scoring day, as well as another great day on the boards.
But the biggest improvements came from Strus and LeVert. Ultimately, Strus recovered from a poor showing in Game 1 to contribute to the effort in Game 2. LeVert played well, showcasing why he was such an important player throughout the season.
The Cavaliers will cover the spread if they shoot the ball efficiently and defend the 3-point line. Then, they need to dominate the boards again.
Final Celtics-Cavaliers Game 3 Prediction & Pick
So far, we have seen a blowout win by each team. Logic would say the Celtics will return the favor and blow the Cavaliers out. However, the Cavs have been much tougher at home throughout these playoffs. The Cavaliers are 4-0 at home and have covered the 7.5 points spread in three of four games. Yes, the Celtics are miles better than the Orlando Magic. But the spread is too high, regardless. In the end, the Celtics likely will win a close game, with the Cavaliers covering the spread.
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Final Celtics-Cavaliers Game 3 Prediction & Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers: +7.5 (-108)
