NBA Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Game 1 Spread and Prediction

Date/Time: 05-13-2018, 15:30 EDT

Spread: Boston Celtics +1.5

Total: +204.5

In this rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals that ended with the Cavs advancing to the Finals with 4-1 wins, the 2^nd Boston Celtics (55-27), who eliminated Philadelphia in the semifinals 4-1, are hosting the 4^th Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32), who destroyed Toronto in the semifinals with 4-0.

Cavaliers had a 50-32 record in the regular season and finished in the fourth place of the East. They are 7-1 in their last 8 and in their latest matchup they were victorious at home against Toronto, 128-93. Boston had a 54-26 record in the regular season and finished in the second place of the East. They are 5-1 in their last 6 and in their latest matchup they were victorious at home against the Sixers, 114-112.

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Cavaliers are led in scoring by LeBron James with 34.3 ppg, which is a playoff-best. He also adds 9.4 boards and a team-best 9 dimes per game, while Kevin Love follows with 14.7 ppg and a team-best 10.1 boards per game. Celtics are led in scoring by Jayson Tatum with 18.8 ppg. The rookie also adds 4.5 boards per game, while Terry Rozier follows with 18.2 ppg, 5.5 boards and a team-best 5.8 dimes per game. Al Horford adds 17 ppg and a team-best 8.7 boards per game.

In their three previous meetings earlier this season, Cleveland leads 2-1 wins and both teams are 1-1 in Boston. Boston have a 34-14 home record so far this season, while Cleveland are 24-22 on the road. Boston have both a better offense in the postseason with 104.1 ppg to Cleveland’s 103.5 and a better defense, allowing 102 ppg to Cleveland’s 102.5. Cleveland have a better accuracy from the field, shooting with 46.7% to Boston’s 44.6%, while Boston have a better accuracy from behind the arc, shooting with 36% to Cleveland’s 35.1%. Boston are better in rebounding, grabbing 42.4 to Cleveland’s 38.5 and in assists made, with 21.2 to Cleveland’s 19.7, while Cleveland commit less turnovers (12.1 to 12.4). The Cavaliers after a rough first round series against the Pacers that was led in seven games, they found their rhythm in the second round and are coming in this game hot and streaky. Expect them to keep it going and get away with the road victory today.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Game 1 Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers -1.5 (-112)