NBA Best Bets: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics prediction, pick, odds

NBA Best Bets: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics prediction, pick, odds

It's been a brutal last ten days for the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics are still 45-20 but have lost three of their last four games, including two games to the Knicks and a nearly 30-point blown lead to the Nets.

Last night's loss to the Knicks came in double overtime to make matters worse.

After playing in double-overtime, it'll be interesting to see how the Celtics respond, on the road, against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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The Cavaliers are currently 40-28 on the season and are creeping up in the standings. A win against the Celtics would only help them more.

Can Boston get back on track against Cleveland?

Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for tonight's game between the Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cavaliers vs. Celtics Start Time and Where to Watch

• Date: March 6, 2023
• Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, NBCS Boston, Bally OH

Cavaliers vs. Celtics Odds

• Spread: Celtics +6 (-110), Cavaliers -6 (-110)
• Total Odds: O/U 218.5 (-110)
• Moneyline Odds: Celtics (+192), Cavaliers (-235)

Click here for Cavaliers vs. Celtics odds

Cavaliers vs. Celtics Injury Report

Celtics

• Questionable: SG Malcolm Brogdon (Ankle)
• Out: SF Danilo Gallinari (Knee), C Robert Williams III (Hamstring)

Cavaliers

• Questionable: SG Donovan Mitchell (Finger)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Prediction

The Cavaliers and Celtics have already played three games against one another this year.

The Cavaliers have won two of those three games, but both games where the Cavaliers won were in overtime.

Each game has been close, with a solid portion of points.

But that could change tonight.

The Cavaliers are still one of the better defenses in the NBA. Cleveland has limited opponents to 110.6 points per 100 possessions while giving up an effective field goal percentage below 54%.

Cleveland should also be able to have success on the defensive glass. The Cavaliers have given up just 25.8% of offensive rebounds, and the Celtics have earned under 24%. Especially without Robert Williams, the Celtics could struggle to find second-chance opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are just as good defensively on paper. They'll be tired after a double-overtime game, but it would be a poor look if the star players rested after losing three of their last four games.

Boston won't earn a lot of turnovers but should at least keep the Cavaliers off the glass. The Celtics have limited teams to 23.8% of offensive rebounds, the best rate in the NBA. The Celtics have also limited teams to a free throw rate of 18.4, which is third-best in the NBA.

The Celtics will want to come into this game and play strong. They'll be tired. Shots will miss. But the defense will prevail.

Both defenses are in the top five in points per 100 possessions. That's ideal, despite both teams earning at least 113 points in all three games played against one another this year.

Circumstances are a little bit different in this game.

Give me the Under 218.5 in tonight's matchup.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Pick

• Under 218.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Collect $190). Get the best odds at FanDuel; click here to bet