Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Game 5 5/15/24 – As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34) face a critical Game 5 against the Boston Celtics (64-18) in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the Celtics leading the series 2-1, this matchup at the TD Garden on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, promises high stakes and intense action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, broadcasted live on TNT and available for streaming via NBA League Pass. Fans and bettors alike are on the lookout for NBA free betting predictions as both teams vie to secure their spot in the conference finals.
| When: | Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | TD Garden, Boston |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
BIG play led to a BIG win in BOSTON.@RepublicService | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/rRm5ayWj1y
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 14, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | +15 -110 | O 204 -110 | +900 |  |
| Celtics | -14.5 -110 | U 205.5 -110 | -1400 | |
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Currently, the betting odds for both teams are yet to be determined. Given the high stakes of this playoff game, these figures will be crucial for any betting strategy. Bettors should keep an eye on updates as they can provide insights into the expected performance and outcomes based on market sentiment.
Darius Garland (PG) vs. Jayson Tatum (SF)
Darius Garland, the Cavaliers’ point guard, was a pretty good regular season player with an average of 18 points and 6.5 assists per game. His quickness and vision endowed him with a key playmaker position that however his turnover rate of 3.1 per game this season pointed out some reliability shortcomings. On matchday, he will become instrumental as he tries to outplay their tight coverage.
On the contrary, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics has been as amazing as ever, scoring 26.9 points and rebounding 8.1 times per game. His versatility in covering the range of positions and apparently strong penchant for scoring under pressure have made him a very tough opponent. Tatum is known to be versatile in finding ways to score and create plays for his teammates which will become a task for the Cavs’ defensive game plan.
Garland and Tatum are two of the most gifted players in the NBA. Garland needs to apply his abilities in running fast and screwing maneuver defense of Boston’s team, while Tatum’s size and scoring capacity from almost any place of a field become a principal problem. The virtual outcome of the duel of their remarkable performances could very easily prove to be the deciding element in the epic match.
Cavalier Calculations: Breaking Down Cleveland’s Chances
Cavaliers’ stats are proof of a well-balanced team that can play at the highest level. Scoring 112.6 points per contest, the roster displays excellent shooting efficiency of 47.9% from the floor and 36.7% on long-range shots. So, the Cavaliers know how to spread the ball in the basket. Even though they average 12.7 turnovers per game; this perhaps is the weakest area, especially against another team like Boston that is known to be strong in exploiting the mistakes of their opponents.
Boston’s Balanced Barrage: A Statistical Perspective
The offensive strength of Boston is even more impressive, being an average of 120.6 points per game and having a superior shooting accuracy (48.7% FG and 38.8% 3PT) is a proof of it. Thanks to the combination of high scoring interior area and excellent outside shooting, alongside their high rebounding efficiency (46.3 RPG), they will have a definite advantage over the Bulldogs. Here lies a closely guarded secret of those attacks balancing somewhat the fight against the enemy.
Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
Cavaliers are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Cleveland Cavaliers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Cavaliers are 19-21 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Cavaliers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 23 of Cavaliers’ 41 last games at home
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Celtics are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Boston Celtics are 2-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Celtics are 19-19 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Celtics’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 22 of Celtics’ 41 last games at home
Injuries
Cleveland Cavaliers
Caris LeVert SF Is “?” Wednesday vs Boston, Knee
Jarrett Allen C Is “?” Wednesday vs Boston, Ribs
Donovan Mitchell PG Is “?” Wednesday vs Boston, Calf
Ty Jerome PG Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Craig Porter Jr. PG Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Boston Celtics
Kristaps Porzingis PF Is out indefinitely, Calf
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Picks
Given the current series lead and statistical advantages, Boston appears to be the safer bet in this pivotal Game 5. Their offensive depth and defensive resilience have been key to their success this season. Cleveland will need to minimize turnovers and exploit any rare defensive lapses by Boston to stay competitive.
Prop bets on player performances, particularly on Jayson Tatum’s points and rebounds, may offer value given his consistent output. The total has trended OVER for both teams recently, suggesting another high-scoring affair might be in the cards. For those looking to place wagers, keep an eye on the top sportsbook online for the latest odds and game-time specials that could sway your picks. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Celtics 112, Cavaliers 105.
