Throughout the entirety of this season, the Eastern Conference has been the Boston Celtics and the rest. No team has been able to come close to the elite level the Celtics have put on display all season. So who, if anyone, will stop them? The task now falls to the Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off a massive second-half comeback to win a seven-game series against the Orlando Magic.
The Cavs certainly have the talent to do so. Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell have proven to be a capable trio. However, the potential loss of Jarrett Allen could get the Cavaliers off on the wrong foot. Thankfully for them, the Celtics will also be without one of their big men, Kristaps Porzingis. Perhaps his absence will be enough to push the Cavaliers to victory in this crucial Game 1.
Here’s everything to know about this Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.
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Predictions:
Stephen Noh, Sporting News: Celtics in 4
Noh writes, “Cleveland does have an excellent defense that can at least slow Boston down a bit, but they haven’t been playing their best ball, and their offensive struggles were very evident in their previous series. They’re not going to be able to keep pace with the star power that Boston has.”
Darren Hartwell, Yahoo Sports: Celtics in 6
Hartwell writes, “The Cavs aren’t the Heat, folks. Mitchell has a proven playoff track record and forms a strong backcourt alongside Garland. Big men Mobley and Allen (if healthy) could give Boston trouble on both ends with Porzingis likely sidelined for the entire series.”
John Schuhmann, NBA.com: Celtics in 5
Schuhmann writes, “They’re missing their starting center and facing a healthier team than their first-round opponent. But the Celtics remain the best team in the league and, with their Game 5 victory over Miami, they’re 22-4 without Porzingis. That includes a 10-3 mark against playoff teams, with the Celtics having outscored their opponents by 8.6 points per 100 possessions over those 13 games.”
Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Game 1 odds, lines:
The Boston Celtics are favorites to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Tuesday’s Game 1 matchup, according to the BetMGM NBA odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Monday evening.
- Spread: Celtics (-11.5)
- Moneyline: Celtics (-600); Cavaliers (+425)
- Over/Under: 208.5
How to watch Cavs vs. Celtics, Game 1:
When: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Where: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
Time: 7 pm ET/4 pm PT
TV: TNT, truTV
Streaming: Fubo TV
Watch the game: Stream the NBA Playoffs with a Fubo subscription
Cavs vs. Celtics schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday at Boston – 7 pm, TNT
Game 2: Thursday at Boston – 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 3: May 11 at Cleveland – 8:30 pm, ABC
Game 4: May 13 at Cleveland – Time TBD, TNT
Game 5 (if necessary): May 15 at Boston – Time TBD, TNT
Game 6 (if necessary): May 17 at Cleveland – Time TBD, ESPN
Game 7 (if necessary): May 19 at Boston – Time and TV TBD
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