Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18)
On May 7, 2024, the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals are set to commence with an intriguing clash when Cleveland Cavaliers meet Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Boston was an easy favorite this regular season at 64-18; as underdog Cavaliers enter as underdogs sports enthusiasts and bettors are scrambling for best live betting websites which capture real-time odds and action during this high-stakes contest.
The Cavaliers ended the regular season with an admirable 48-34 record and have displayed both resilience and inconsistency this season. Their offensive metrics show a team struggling with efficiency averaging 94.2 points per game on 44% shooting from the field while three-point shooting at 28.1% represents another area of potential vulnerability given modern NBA’s emphasis on long range scoring. Their defense, on the other hand, boasted 8.2 steals per game on average along with 5.7 blocks indicating success often relied upon strong defensive efforts rather than offensive efforts alone.
At home in Boston, however, they’ve been an impressive force: scoring an average of 107.8 points a game while shooting 47.4% from the field with an impressive 38.5% three-point percentage; they even boast 5.8 steals and 5.2 blocks per game for added defensive prowess that has made them formidable opponents despite maintaining such high scoring rates as they’ve done so well at harnessing crowd energy to increase scoring rates while simultaneously holding onto it effectively defensively.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Donovan Mitchell (SG) vs. Jaylen Brown (SG)
Donovan Mitchell has been the shining light for the Cavaliers this season, averaging 27 points and 4.3 assists per game while contributing clutch shots against an aggressive Celtics defense. Mitchell must demonstrate agility and scoring prowess at every moment against such competition; his 3.8 turnovers per game could prove costly against an opponent that capitalizes on mistakes like these.
Jaylen Brown of the Celtics has been instrumental in their successful campaign, scoring 22.8 points per game while contributing 7 rebounds per contest and contributing versatility and efficiency both offensively and defensively – two key attributes in today’s NBA environment. Under playoff pressure he must show great resilience; when facing off with the Cavs it may make or break them.
Mitchell and Brown will provide one of the highlights of this series when they go head to head in an exciting faceoff that could drastically influence game results. Their performances will not only showcase individual abilities but will set an exemplary standard throughout this tournament series.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Boston Celtics -550, Total Odds: 209
Current betting odds accurately depict the Celtics as heavy favorites in this matchup, as evidenced by their significant -11 point spread and expectation that they should win easily. Bettors should keep in mind, however, that Cavaliers could cover this spread should their defense remain strong enough and keep this contest close throughout.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
The Cavaliers have had mixed results against the spread in recent games, going 2-3. While they’ve struggled on the road, it should not be discounted that their ability to occasionally defeat higher-ranked teams should not be ignored. With three of their five recent matches having gone over in terms of scoring total, this one may feature similarly high stakes action.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
The Celtics, with an even 2-2 record against the spread in their last five games, have not been as dominant as expected. Their performances under pressure show, though; totals went OVER in four of those five contests suggesting another high-scoring affair may soon follow.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics 5/7/24 Betting Picks
On paper, it looks as if the Celtics will take an early lead in this series, especially with home court advantage and offensive efficiency on their side. But Mitchell can change that dynamic into tighter contests than expected.
As betting experts scour NBA Eastern Conference semifinals free picks for an edge in betting on either team in this matchup, considering recent high scoring matches from each side, betting OVER may prove advantageous as an ideal outcome.
Free Pick and Prediction: Boston Celtics 112, Cleveland Cavaliers 104.
