The Cleveland Cavaliers (4-16) will travel to TD Garden to square off against the Boston Celtics (11-10). The Cavaliers opened as 13.5-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 209 points and action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 30, 2018.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics ATS Odds
In the Celtics’ previous game, they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-107, as 2-point underdogs. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, were topped by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 100-83, and were unable to cover as 13-point underdogs. The Boston game went 2.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5, while the Cleveland game finished 32 points under the projected point total of 215.
Boston dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 11.8) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.1 (above their season average of 21.5). New Orleans had marks of 19.7 and 24.3, respectively, for those same stats. Cleveland, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (11.4 vs. 12.3). Kyrie Irving was a key piece for Boston with 26 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the way for Cleveland, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers took this series last year, securing victories in six out of 10 games. In the most recent contest, Cleveland won 87-79. Getting to the free throw line was one of Cleveland’s biggest strengths. They made 25 trips to the line, while Boston went 19 times. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Cavaliers matchups tend to go under the O/U total (60.0 percent). Cleveland heads into the contest with records of 4-16 straight up (SU) and 10-10 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Cleveland, Celtics games have gone over the O/U total 52.4 percent of the time. Further, Boston owns records of 11-10 SU and 8-13 ATS.
Sexton has been playing at a high level recently for Cleveland, averaging 19 points over the last five games.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the league’s slowest-paced teams square off. Boston currently ranks 21st in possessions per game (101.8) and Cleveland is 29th (98.6). Moreover, the Cavaliers’ 24th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 104.9) will face off against the Celtics’ second-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 101.1).
Cavaliers vs. Celtics Odds Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Cavaliers rank 9 in second chance points per game (14.8) while the Celtics rank 25 (12.19047619047619).
- Boston ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (35.9) while Cleveland ranks last (23.9).
- The Celtics rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while the Cavaliers rank 21st (17.9).
- Boston ranks eighth in fast break points per game (15.3) while Cleveland ranks 26th (10.7).
- Boston ranks 5 in points allowed in the paint per game (44.57142857142857) while Cleveland ranks 22 (50.3).
- The Cavaliers rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while the Celtics rank 23rd (46.5).
- The Celtics rank 10 in assists per game (24.428571428571427) while the Cavaliers rank 28 (19.6).
- Boston ranks 4 in steals allowed per game (7.095238095238095) while Cleveland ranks 17 (7.8).
- Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (5.8).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Boston is 5-2 and Cleveland is 1-2.
- The Celtics are 11-7 when they score above 100 points, while the Cavaliers are 4-8.
- Cleveland is 6-4 ATS on the road, while Boston is 4-4 ATS at home.
- The Cavaliers have 6 unders and 4 overs in 10 road games.
- Of the Celtics’ 8 home games, they have 4 overs and 4 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Cleveland has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Boston has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Cavaliers\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 7.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 112.6 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.0 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
