Boston Celtics (64-18) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)
As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers face off in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 11, 2024. The Celtics, boasting the best record in the East at 64-18, lead the series 1-0. This matchup, scheduled at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, is pivotal for the Cavaliers, who need a win to balance the scales. Fans looking for excitement should keep an eye on the best live betting options as the game progresses.
Celtics have exhibited exceptional ability throughout the season and have been averaging 120.6 points per game in 48.7% shooting accuracy. They play their offense with a lot of three-pointers, which they convert on average into 16. 5 goals per game at a 38.8% success rate. Moreover, they have an excellent defense too, 46.3 rebounds per game, and blocking 6.6 shots. The team has been able to split wins and losses both at home and away within the spread, a factor that points towards some vulnerability away from home.
On the other side of the coin, the Cavs haven’t been able to stack up with a 48-34 record. They average 112.6 points per game with a bit lower shooting efficiency at 47.9%. The Cavs are trailing slightly in the three-point shooting, with a 36.7% completion rate. As far as the boards and blocks are concerned, the Celtics have better than the Heat, which could turn out to be a decisive factor in the series.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game Info
| When: | Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Donovan Mitchell (SG)
Jayson Tatum will definitely be the backbone of the Celtics, playing an average of 35.7 minutes of the game and scoring 26.9 points per game. His capability to understand receiving the ball and throw it well makes him a threat on both ends of the court. Surprisingly, his turnovers per game are at a stand of 2.5, he has left an indelible impact on our society.
Donovan Mitchell almost has scored the same, with his average of 26 but, obviously, he played not so many games since he has been suffering from quite some injuries throughout the competition. He gets overtaken by 6.1 assists per game. His playing style and the fact that he is able to steal the ball (1.8 per game) establish him as a valuable player for the Cavaliers.
It’s like the 2 titans of offense taking over the court. Both players have the ability to turn the entire game around, but it might be Tatum’s supporting cast and Mitchell’s urgent need to lead that might decide the game.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Current betting odds are yet to be determined, but given the Celtics’ slight edge in recent performance and the series lead, they might enter as favorites. Bettors should watch the spread closely, as the home advantage for Cleveland could play a significant role.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
The Celtics have displayed the pattern of high-scoring games where the reversals have gone OVER in their last 5 matches. But, on the other side, their ATS records on the road are not 50/50, which means they could win but, maybe covering the spread will be difficult.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
While the Cavaliers have inconsistent results, only 3 of the last 5 games had totals going OVER. Their ATS record is just as dicey, and this could be a worry for those betting on the Cavaliers.
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 5/11/24 Betting Picks
Considering the statistical analysis and trends, the Celtics appear poised to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Their offensive firepower and solid defense give them an edge, especially in high-pressure playoff games.
For bettors, the Celtics might be the safer bet, especially if the spread is reasonable. Prop bets on players like Tatum for points and rebounds could be lucrative. In terms of the NBA Eastern Semifinals picks and prediction, a focus on the total points might also be wise, considering both teams’ propensity to hit high scores in recent games.
