The Boston Celtics (34-19) will travel to Quicken Loans Arena to meet the Cleveland Cavaliers (11-42). The Cavaliers opened as 12.5-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 214.5 points and it begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds
In the Celtics’ last matchup, they covered the 4-point spread against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 134-129. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, were topped by the Dallas Mavericks, 111-98, and were not able to cover as 5.5-point underdogs. The Boston game finished 35 points over the projected point total of 228, while the Cleveland game finished 1.5 points under the projected point total of 210.5.
Boston’s 0.665 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Oklahoma City, who had a mark of 0.565. The Celtics’ mark was above their season average of 0.534. Cleveland, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 5.7 (better than their season average of 11.8). Cleveland was lifted by Larry Nance Jr., who put up 11 points and 12 rebounds. Kyrie Irving, meanwhile was a key piece for Boston with 30 points and 11 assists.
In their two matchups this year, the Celtics have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 226 points, which was over the projected point total of 213. Boston won 123-103, covering as a 16-point favorite. One of Boston’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 21-23 (91.3 percent), while the Cavaliers were just 14-20 (70.0 percent). Terry Rozier was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points.
Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Celtics are involved, as 31 of their 53 games have gone over the projected point total. Boston holds records of 34-19 straight up (SU) and 27-25-1 against the spread (ATS).
Cavaliers games have a slight tendency to finish over the projected point total (50.9 percent). Moreover, Cleveland is 11-42 SU and 23-29-1 ATS.
The Celtics’ Al Horford has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 16 points,10.4 rebounds,4.2 assists,2.8 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Cedi Osman has averaged 21 points,3.6 assists,1.6 steals during that same time frame for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the league’s best defenses. Boston currently ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Cavaliers rank 22nd in offensive efficiency. Also, the Celtics rank fourth in turnover percentage (12.7 percent), while the Cavaliers rank 27th in opponents’ turnover percentage (12.1 percent).
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Boston ranks third in blocks per game (5.8) while Cleveland ranks last (2.6).
- The Celtics rank sixth in assists per game (26.2) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (20.3).
- Boston ranks third in steals per game (8.9) while Cleveland ranks 24th (6.7).
- Boston ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.9) while Cleveland ranks 23rd (50.5).
- The Celtics rank third in three pointers attempted per game (35.6) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (26.3).
- The Celtics rank seventh in fast break points per game (16.5) while the Cavaliers rank 26th (10.2).
- Boston ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (19.2) while Cleveland ranks 28th (13.5).
- Cleveland is 4-3 when they allow less than 100 points, while Boston is 12-2.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Celtics are 34-15 and the Cavaliers are 9-20.
- Cleveland is 10-16 ATS at home, while Boston is 9-15-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 15 of the Cavaliers’ 26 home games, while 14 of the Celtics’ 25 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Boston and Cleveland have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Cavaliers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 2-2-1.
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 10.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 119.2 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.2 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
