The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0) and Boston Celtics (11-3) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Celtics are 4.5-point favorites over the Cavaliers on the spread (Celtics -4.5), with the over/under set at 234.5 total points. Boston is a -200 favorite to win outright, while Cleveland is +165 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, November 19.
Cavaliers vs. Celtics Picks, Prediction
Spread
I'm backing the Celtics to win and cover the 4.5-point spread.
Moneyline
I'm throwing the Celtics ML in a Same-Game Parlay.
Over/Under
I'm passing on the Cavaliers vs Celtics total.
My Pick: Celtics -4.5 (-115, BetMGM)
Cavaliers vs. Celtics Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -105 | 234.5 -110o / -110u | +165 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -115 | 234.5 -110o / -110u | -200 |
- Cavaliers vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -4.5
- Cavaliers vs. Celtics over/under: 234.5 points
- Cavaliers vs. Celtics moneyline: Celtics -200, Cavaliers +165
Cavaliers vs. Celtics Preview
The Celtics and the Cavaliers are set to face off in the NBA Cup Group Stage, with the Cavaliers putting their perfect 15-0 record on the line.
These two teams have been the class of the Eastern Conference, with Boston and Cleveland ranking second and third in Adjusted Net Rating and first and second in Adjusted Offense, respectively, per Dunks and Threes. They are getting it done on both sides of the floor.
One critical difference between Boston and Cleveland is that Boston takes dramatically more 3s than Cleveland. The Cavaliers shoot the ball better, but the Celtics' sheer volume of triples has created the NBA's top offense.
Boston is also better at defending the 3-point line, given their lineup versatility and switchability. However, Boston's personnel also leaves them susceptible at the rim and from short midrange, where Cleveland loves to score.
Jayson Tatum has thrived in this matchup on the glass. He has recorded double-digit boards in nine of his past 10 games against the Cavaliers, averaging 10.9 rebounds per game. There will be minutes where Cleveland runs Mobley at the five, and given the switchability there, that will open up even more rebound opportunities for Tatum.
Cavaliers vs. Celtics Prediction
This spot is where Boston has more wiggle room, given the Celtics' shot profile.
While the Cavaliers can exploit Boston on the interior, it takes the ball out of Donovan Mitchell's and Darius Garland's hands, which can be effective. However, it means that Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen must keep up with the Celtics' 3-point barrage.
Additionally, the Cavaliers have listed several vital rotational players (Wade, Okoro, LeVert, Merrill) on the injury report. That lack of depth is exploitable for a Boston team with only Pritchard listed (Questionable).
I'm laying the points with the favorite as they look to defend home court.
Additionally, Boston is mispriced to win the Group at (+350 MGM).
Although they lost to Atlanta (2-0), if they beat Cleveland, they have an excellent chance to win out and finish 3-1 in Group Play. Considering the Cavs still have to play the Hawks and should be able to win that game, there would likely either be a three-way tie at 3-1 or Boston and Cleveland be tied at 3-1, with Atlanta dropping their other game to Chicago.
Considering the first tiebreaker is a head-to-head record, I'm creating a scenario where we need a four-leg parlay: Boston Moneyline vs. Cleveland/Chicago/Washington and Cleveland Moneyline vs. Atlanta.
I can't get to +350 on that — I think there is a greater than 22% chance it will happen.
If I were building an SGP, I'd grab the Celtics on the moneyline, Tatum 10+ Rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell 25+ points, a number he has hit in 100% of games against Boston dating back to 2021.
