Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Preview
Where: TD Garden — Boston, Massachusetts
When: Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Cleveland Cavaliers (-1) vs. Boston Celtics (+1); total: 222.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
NBA News & Predictions
- 2017 NBA Draft Expert Picks and Predictions
- 2017 NBA Draft Sleepers
- 2017-18 NBA Championship Odds Update
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers (41-17)
Point Spread: -1
Cleveland rolls into this game fresh off a 102-95 home victory over the Bucks on Monday night, while also brings in its newest acquisition: three-time All-Star Deron Williams.
The former Mavs guard is averaging 13.1 points and 6.9 assists this season and gives, finally, LeBron James the proven playmaker that he’s been demanding for. It’ll take time before Williams fully adapts to the new system, but the mere presences of James and Kyrie Irving should help quicken and ease the process.
Speaking of those two, they finished the month of February averaging at least 25.0 points per game, including 49 points combined in the win against Milwaukee. And needless to say, they’ll look to continue their offensive onslaught against the Celtics, whom they already beat twice—both at home—this season.
The defending champs have won eight of their last 10 games, going 7-3 ATS in that stretch.
Betting on the Boston Celtics (38-22)
Point Spread: +1
While the reigning champions are beginning to regain their dominant form, the Celtics, who climbed all the way up to the second spot in the East, have lost their swagger. They fell at home to Atlanta on Monday night, 114-98, marking their third loss in four games.
Isaiah Thomas had one of his coldest games of the season, going 4-for-21 from the field for 19 points and tied a season-high seven turnovers. He’s finished with 30 points at least in the two visits to Cleveland earlier this season, though, so expect him to bounce back.
Even if he does, a win isn’t guaranteed if Thomas doesn’t start receiving support on offense. The C’s have been held below 100 points in their last three games. Al Horford, Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley also combined for just 18 points in the loss to the Hawks.
Boston is 7-3 SU and 2-8 ATS in its past 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Cleveland (-1) wins and covers.
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