NBA Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Game 5 Preview and Prediction

Date/Time:  05-23-2018, 20:30 EDT

Spread: Boston Celtics 0

Total: +206

In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the second-seeded Boston Celtics (55-27) are hosting the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32), with both teams being tied with two win apiece, both of them at home. Cleveland paired their wins at home in Game 3 led once again by an outstanding LeBron James with 44 points and with a huge opening quarter (34-18), they managed to get the 111-102 home win.

Celtics had a 54-26 record in the regular season and finished in the 2^nd place of the Eastern Conference. They have lost their last two games, both in this series and in their last game they lost on the road against the Cavs in game 3 with a 111-102 score. Cavaliers had a 50-32 record in the regular season and finished in the 4^th place of the Eastern Conference. They won their last two games, both in this series and in their last game they won once again at home against the Celtics in game 3 with a 111-102 score.

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Celtics are led in scoring by Jayson Tatum with 18 ppg, adding 4.1 rebounds per game. He is followed by Jaylen Brown with 17.8 ppg and 5 rebounds per game, while Terry Rozier adds 17.1 ppg, 5.4 rebounds and a team-best 5.8 assists per game. Cavaliers are led in scoring by LeBron James with 33.7 ppg, adding 8.7 rebounds and a team-best 9 assists per game. Kevin Love follows with 14.9 ppg and a team-best 10.6 rebounds per game, while Kyle Korver adds 10.7 ppg.

In their seven previous meetings this season, Cleveland leads 4-3 wins but have won only once in their 4 trips in Boston. Celtics are 36-14 at so far, while Cavs are 24-24 on the road. Cavs have a better accuracy from the field (46.3% to 44.4%), while Celtics have a better accuracy from behind the arc (35.2% to 34.9%). Celtics have a better offense with 103.3 ppg to Cavs’ 102.8, while Cavs have the second-best defense in the postseason, allowing 101.7 and Celtics follow third with 102.1. Celtics commit fewer turnovers (11.9 to 12.8), grab more rebounds, with 42.1 to Cavs’ 40 and dish more assists, with 21.4 to Cavs’ 19.4. Boston have been extremely strong at home, especially in the playoffs, while Cavs have been mediocre (24-24) on the road throughout the season, so pick Celtics for the win tonight.  

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Game 5 Prediction: Boston Celtics 0 (-108)