The Celtics find themselves in interesting territory early in a series yet again heading into Game 4 with the Cavaliers tonight. The Cavs have a chance to tie up the series with a win and send the Celtics back to Boston with all the pressure on their shoulders. Neither contest has been close thanks to one or multiple scorers from both teams failing to have a solid performance.
The last time the Celtics were in a similar position, they pulled out a dominating victory on the road in Miami. The Cavs, however, offer a much different threat on both ends of court. This is far from a potential Game 7, but there is pressure on Boston to perform as they have been heavy favorites in every game played in the postseason this far. A Celtics’ loss tonight would put the NBA world on upset alert and make this series one of the most interesting second round matchups.
The budding pressure of this series makes tonight’s contest great for wager consideration. If you’re looking for action, check below for the live odds for the game and additional betting information, including player props.
Celtics vs. Cavs odds: Point spread, moneyline, and total
Here are the latest NBA betting odds
for tonight’s game at the top US sports betting sites
:
Cleveland Cavaliers betting news and analysis
Donovan Mitchell has had his way against the Celtics all season long, averaging 31 points through five games, including the three contests so far in this series. In the series, he is shooting 51.5% from the field and 53.3% from deep against one of the premier defenses in the league. His success is the only reason the Cavs have a chance in the series, and unfortunately for the Cavs, he is listed as questionable with a calf injury for tonight’s game.
Best case scenario is that he battles through and takes the court tonight. However, if he is still significantly hobbled, the Cavs likely have no chance as they need vintage performances from him just to stay competitive.
The good news for the team is that starting center Jarrett Allen is a game-time decision. The big man hasn’t played since Game 4 in the first round against Orlando. He is the team’s second leading scorer and rebound leader, averaging 17 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. His return would be monumental for their chances of pulling off this win and could potentially shift the series. Be sure to check his status leading up to game time before placing any wagers.
More: 2024 NBA Championship odds
| Best NBA betting sites
Boston Celtics betting news and analysis
Jayson Tatum and Derrick White are the Celtics’ second and third leading scorers in the postseason. Tatum’s play is becoming a growing concern as his shooting has somehow dipped even lower than his performance against the Heat. In the first round, he averaged 21.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 41.5% from the field and 29% from deep. In three games against the Cavs, he is averaging 25.3 points per game, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 41% from the field and 22.2% from deep.
Also contributing to their vulnerability is White’s offensive production, or lack thereof. He is coming off a series against the Heat in which he averaged 22.4 points on 57.7% from the field and 47.7% from deep. Against the Cavs, he is averaging just 15.7 points per game on 40% from the field and 39.3% from deep.
The Celtics have continued to find ways to win in the postseason this year despite the lack of consistency from their top scorers. Whether or not they keep getting away with it in this series will come down to the health of the Cavs.
Related: Best sportsbooks promos and bonuses
| NBA prop betting odds
Celtics vs. Cavs player props at BetMGM Sportsbook
Below are some of the best player props we found for tonight’s game on BetMGM Sportsbook
.
Jaylen Brown player props
- OVER points ()
- To record 3+ threes (+140)
Jayson Tatum player props
- UNDER threes ()
- OVER rebounds ()
Donovan Mitchell player props
- OVER 7+ assists (+230)
- UNDER points ()
Celtics vs. Cavs prediction ATS
The closest game in this series was a 13-point win for the Celtics in Game 3. Most spectators expect Mitchell to be available but not Allen. Without his services, the Cavs are likely to struggle to keep pace with the Celtics due to the rebounding differential. In the Cavs’ one win in the series, they out-rebounded Boston 44-31. Without Allen on the court, that performance leans toward being an anomaly as they have been soundly out-rebounded in the other matchups.
Prediction: Celtics