The Celtics crushed LeBron’s Cavaliers in Game 1. The loss even seemed to make James somewhat squeamish for some seconds. Will the Cavaliers push back tonight? Here are the Cavaliers vs. Celtics Game 2 predictions.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
- Where: May 15, 2018, 8:30 PM ET
- When: TD Garden
- Spread: EV
- Over/Under: 203.5
- More NBA Betting Lines
If you’re betting on the Celtics, think of this…
The Celtics came out blazing in Game 1. They certainly made their statement in a big way. By halftime, they had a 26-point lead.
It got worse in the second half of the game, for the Cavaliers that is. At the final buzzer, the score was 108-83 in favor of the Celtics. Yep, that’ll do.
It’s probably the reason why the line is at even money. Boston has made it clear that they will punch back, hard, regardless of who it is they’re playing.
All throughout the postseason, in fact, the Celtics have even seemed they were holding out on us by not revealing what they can accomplish despite not having key players in the lineup.
Tonight they’ll be shooting for their 10th straight home win. But, only if LeBron doesn’t rain on their parade which you can bet he’s planning on.
You have to give it to the players though, they’ve stepped up game after game. But it’s also a matter of how this team is being coached that makes this team win against the odds.
Coach Brad Stevens is a master tactician. In game 1, for example, Stevens went with Marcus Morris on the starting lineup and he responded with 21 points and 10 rebounds. And, all five starters were only one basket away from scoring in double-digits.
He seems to find the right combination to take advantage of all his players. It’s the balance this team has that makes it so hard to beat. Every player steps up. As a team.
Boston doesn’t rely on one or two players as the Cavaliers do with James and Kevin Love. This gave the Celtics a distinct advantage which was evident when those two weren’t playing well.
But it might not happen tonight. Tonight they can expect a heavyweight knockout punch courtesy of King LeBron.
If you’re betting on the Cavaliers, think of this…
LeBron being LeBron said: "I have zero level of concern at this stage…" It’s hard not to believe him given his track record.
One won battle does not the war win, at least, not in the case of a title series against LeBron James’ team.
While it was uncharacteristic of LeBron to have such an off performance, his worse of these playoffs, the fact is he’ll bounce back.
And he’ll push his team to go with him because it doesn’t only have to do with James. The whole team did not play well in Game 1 as JR Smith was quick to recognize: "We've got to help 'Bron," JR Smith said after the opener. "We can't just expect him to do everything. As role players, we've got to play our role."
Cleveland will bounce back. They’ll adjust in Game 2. It’s what a series is about. The game-by-game adjustments to win in the long run.
Give credit to coach Tyronn Lue, who took home the lesson that what he did against the Raptors won’t work against the Celtics. That and that they were outscored 60-38 in the paint.
Lue has given some indication he’ll start Tristan Thompson in the lineup. Thompson could be the answer to the problems they had with Al Horford in Game 1.
Though it might disrupt things a little to a lineup that has favored LeBron well, it’ll also give them an opening to exploit offensive rebounding situations that give James a second scoring opportunity which he’s unlikely to miss.
Thompson’s size can also force the Celtics to bring out Baynes next to Horford in the frontcourt. Something which hasn’t worked too well for Boston this season.
Cavaliers vs Celtics Game 2 Betting Trends
- Cleveland is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
- Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games
- Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
- Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 17 games
Game Prediction: This game is as high-stakes as the Western Conference series with the Warriors and Rockets. Nobody was counting on the Celtics when the postseason started but as they showed everyone they can stand in the ring and fight to win.
But, knowing LeBron he’ll come out with another one of his legendary performances. And if he does, it’s pretty hard to imagine the Celtics winning.
Especially if the rest of the Cavaliers pull their own weight. Cleveland’s got a knack for bouncing back after a loss such as Game 1; in the Cavs’ past eight when losing their previous game, they’re 7-1 SU.
You can never underestimate the Cavaliers, not when LeBron is playing. I’m going with the Cavaliers.
Pick: Cavaliers EV