It's perhaps the most highly-anticipated game of the young season, and despite the Cleveland Cavaliers entering this NBA Cup matchup a perfect 15-0, the visitors are actually the 5.5-point underdogs courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbooks against the reigning champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Here's a spread, moneyline, total, and player prop expert pick as Cleveland looks to preserve its flawless win-loss record.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds
Odds as of November 19, 2024 at FanDuel
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Expert Picks
Cleveland Cavaliers ATS +5.5 (-110), Boston Celtics ML (-210)
This is undoubtedly the Cavaliers' toughest test to date, especially considering only four of their 15 wins have come against teams with records over the .500 mark. Boston is tied for the second-best record in the Association SU behind Cleveland at 11-3, with four victories in its last five games with the lone blemish being a one-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Donovan Mitchell is expected to be back in the Cavaliers' lineup on Tuesday after sitting out Sunday's win over Charlotte. Backup Celtics guard Peyton Pritchard is questionable with a thumb injury, while Cleveland will be without Dean Wade in its second unit as he sits with an injured ankle. Isaac Okoro (ankle), Caris LeVert (knee), and Sam Merrill (ankle) are also currently on the injury report, as well, and any combination of absences would severely hinder the Cavaliers' depth.
At 0-1 in East Group C, the Celtics need this victory more on paper to keep pace with not only Cleveland, but the 2-0 Hawks. Boston is 4-2 SU at home this season when favored by at least 4.5 points, yet is only 2-4 in covering the spread under those circumstances.
Still, I'm projecting the Cavaliers' streak to meet its demise on the road against a Celtics team leading the league in 3-pointers made at 18.9 per game. That's an area Cleveland struggles in, ranking in the bottom-third of teams in both 3-pointers allowed (14, 22nd), and opponent's 3-point efficiency (37.8 percent, 28th). This should be a tight score when it's all said and done, making the Cavaliers' covering worth a wager while taking the Celtics to win outright in their backyard.
UNDER 235 Total Points (-110)
A 235-point total is by far the largest granted by oddsmakers in this particular matchup, easily surpassing any of the eight games last season including the five-game series in the second round of the playoffs.
The OVER/UNDER market has been a tough nut to crack through the first month, but the UNDER feels like the more logical play here, even if Boston gets hot from deep.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Player Prop
Donovan Mitchell OVER 27.5 Points (-104)
Mitchell's recent success against the Celtics favors the OVER on his scoring prop, although finishing with 28 or more points would mark just the fifth time in 15 appearances that he'd reach that number in 2024-25.
He scored 29 or more points in his three postseason meetings with Boston before succumbing to injury, while also doing so in his two games during the regular season. Mitchell's absence on Sunday was more precautionary in anticipation of this matchup with Boston, so there's no reason to think he'll be anything but at full strength.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Trends
- Evan Mobley has failed to exceed 25.5 points + rebounds in four of his last five games on the road (23.4 points + rebounds/game average).
- Jarrett Allen has exceeded 13.5 1H points + rebounds + assists in 14 of his last 18 games on the road (16.8 1H points + rebounds + assists/game average).
- Jaylen Brown has failed to exceed 24.5 points in six of his last seven games vs. top-10 defenses for points allowed (19.9 points/game average).
*all betting trends courtesy of Outlier