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Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics meet for the third time this season while occupying the top two places in the NBA Eastern Conference standings.

The fast-starting Cavs have a 5.5-game lead over the NBA champions in that race and should be fresh and fired up to impress after having an easy night in Sunday's dominant 144-101 win over the depleted Dallas Mavericks, who were playing for the first time after their stunning decision to trade star man Luka Doncic to the Lakers.

None of Kenny Atkinson's starters were required to play for more than 24 minutes in that game as Cleveland won the first quarter 50-19 and cruised home after that.

The Celtics had an up-and-down January and while they have won their last three games, they had to fight hard to beat the Pelicans and 76ers in their last two outings.

The teams have split their two meetings so far this season, with the Celtics winning 120-117 at TD Garden in November before the Cavs took the first Cleveland clash 115-111 the following month.

The Cavaliers are favourites to improve their impressive home record to 25-3 as they bid for a fifth straight victory.

BOS Celtics @ CLE Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics prop bets - tips and predictions 

Donovan Mitchell over 25.5 points - 5/6

Donovan Mitchell has impressed in his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, averaging 28.3 and 26.6 points per game, and he is leading the team again with 23.7 points per game this year.

The Cavaliers' success under their new head coach has meant that Spida has been able to play fewer minutes per game, at 31.1 this year compared to more than 35 in each of the previous two seasons, but he's likely to be on the court much longer in a game of this magnitude.

As such, exceeding a total points line of 25.5 looks well within his reach, especially as the shooting guard has starred in both of the teams' meetings this season.

Mitchell scored 35 points in each of those games, playing 40 minutes in Boston and 35 in Cleveland, and can play a key role for his team again.

Kristaps Porzingis over 2.5 threes made - 13/10

Celtics centre Kristaps Porzingis is a huge asset for his team and he can continue his fine form with his long-range shooting in Cleveland.

The modern NBA game often sees top teams trading three-pointers and the Latvian is capable of playing his role in that kind of contest.

He has made at least three three-pointers in nine of his last 11 games, including eight against the Bulls last week.

Porzingis made three of his seven attempts from downtown in the Celtics' first trip to Cleveland this season and could be in business again.

Read more US sports betting tips and predictions on site.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics Money line, spread, over/under

Money Line

Spread

Over/Under

Cavaliers

10/13

-2.0 – 20/21

Over 237.5 - 10/11

Celtics

11/10

+2.0 – 20/23

Under 237.5 - 10/11

Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics money line pick - Cavaliers ML - 10/13

The Cavaliers are feeling good about life at the moment after a mini-wobble in late January and they are capable of taking down the Eastern Conference champions for a second time this season.

The Cavs lost three in a row for the first time this season against the Rockets (twice) and 76ers, but those games were decided by one, three and four points and the Ohio outfit have made no mistake in their current four-game winning streak. 

They have won by 19 against the Pistons, 20 against the Heat, 22 against the Hawks and 43 against the Mavericks in that time and should be relishing this test.

The Celtics have shown spirit to battle to wins in their last two games but if they fall into an early hole against the Cavaliers they won't find it as easy to come back.

With the last 14 meetings between the teams all settled by 10 or fewer points, another close contest looks likely but the Cavaliers can come out on top.

View the full market and more odds for Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics on site.

Read Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics how to watch, TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, head-to-head stats, team news and more on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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