Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick
With only five games remaining in the NBA regular season, the most important game in the Eastern Conference to date will be played Wednesday in Boston when the Celtics (50-27) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-27).
The Cavaliers will be playing the second game of a back-to-back situation, and they lead the season series 2-1, so a win at Boston would give them the top seed in the East if both teams end up with the same record.
Point spread: The Celtics opened as 3.5-point favorites; the total is at 218.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 113.8-105.4, Celtics (NBA picks on every game)
Why the Cavaliers can cover the spread
Cleveland is riding a three-game winning streak into TD Garden following a 122-102 rout of the Orlando Magic as an 11-point home favorite Tuesday. The Cavaliers have covered two of three after losing three in a row both straight up and against the spread. The Cavs know how important this final stretch is to help them earn home-court advantage in the East, which is why LeBron James posted his second straight triple-double versus the Magic, while Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving combined for 52 points.
Why the Celtics can cover the spread
The Celtics obviously need to win this matchup to even the season series and put themselves one game ahead in the Eastern Conference standings with four games left. Some Boston players, like leading scorer Isaiah Thomas, have publicly stated this is just another game, but it really is much more than that for both teams. The Cavaliers have struggled by going 3-7 SU and ATS in their last 10 when playing the second game of a back-to-back situation.
Smart betting pick
Boston has won nine of its last 11 games SU, including six of seven, but has also failed to cover four of five. The Celtics have been off since a 110-94 blowout win over the New York Knicks as 7.5-point road favorites Sunday and should be well-rested.
James had a triple-double in the last meeting in a 103-99 road loss for Cleveland as a 1.5-point underdog, although Love was sidelined at the time. Regardless, bet on Boston to come through in the clutch again with another win and cover on the NBA lines at home.
NBA betting trends
Cleveland is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games.
Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last six games on the road.
The total has gone over in four of Boston's last five games at home.
All NBA lines and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.
