The Boston Celtics (43-31) will travel to Quicken Loans Arena to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers (19-55). The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Odds
Both teams failed to cover as underdogs in their last outing. The Cavaliers (14-point underdogs) were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 127-105, while the Celtics (2-point underdogs) fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 115-96. The Cleveland game finished 8.5 points over the projected point total of 223.5, while the Boston game finished 11 points under the projected point total of 222.
Boston did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (13-16; 81.3 percent) while Cleveland held Milwaukee to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.1 (below their season average of 21.0). Cleveland’s Kevin Love had a good outing, recording 20 points and 19 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving played a key role for Boston with 11 points and 12 assists.
In their three matchups this year, the Celtics have won all three. The two teams combined for 199 points in their most recent game, which was under the projected point total of 209.5. Boston won 103-96 but was unable to cover as a 10-point favorite. Converting at the free throw line was one of Boston’s largest strengths. They were 14-14 (100.0 percent), while the Cavaliers were just 7-8 (87.5 percent). Jayson Tatum had a stellar game, with 25 points and seven rebounds.
Vegas is known to place the total low when the Celtics are playing, as 41 of their 74 contests have finished over the total. Boston holds records of 43-31 straight up (SU) and 34-38-2 against the spread (ATS).
Games involving the Cavaliers have finished over the projected point total 52.7 percent of the time. Further, Cleveland is 19-55 SU and 35-37-2 ATS.
The Celtics’ Irving has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 32 points,8.4 rebounds,7.0 assists,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Collin Sexton has averaged 25 points during that same time frame for the Cavaliers.
The offense of Cleveland (23rd in the league with an offensive efficiency of 105.8) will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Boston (sixth in the league with a defensive efficiency of 105.6). The Celtics should have the edge on that end of the court. The Celtics should have an advantage in terms of ball security. They rank 4th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.3 percent), while the Cavaliers force the third-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 12.2 percent).
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Cavaliers average 13.5 second chance points per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The Celtics rank 15th in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
- Boston ranks fourth in steals per game (8.6) while Cleveland ranks 29th (6.5).
- The Celtics rank ninth in blocks per game (5.4) while the Cavaliers rank last (2.5).
- Boston ranks seventh in fast break points per game (16.1) while Cleveland ranks 25th (10.6).
- Cleveland ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (31.4) while Boston ranks 26th (33.6).
- The Celtics rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (14.1).
- The Celtics rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (45.8) while the Cavaliers rank 20th (50.3).
- Boston ranks 21st in rebounds per game (44.5) while Cleveland ranks 25th (42.6).
- Boston ranks sixth in assists per game (26.4) while Cleveland ranks 28th (20.8).
- Cleveland is 6-3 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Boston is 15-4.
- When reaching 100 points, the Celtics are 43-23 and the Cavaliers are 17-28.
- Cleveland is 19-19 ATS at home, while Boston is 14-20-2 ATS on the road.
- The Celtics have 19 overs and 17 unders in 36 road games.
- The Cavaliers have 22 overs and 16 unders in 38 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Boston and Cleveland have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Cavaliers are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 1-4.
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 9.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 112.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 118.2 points per game (10.2 above their season average).
