Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 12/1/24 – The NBA this Sunday brings a marquee game where the Boston Celtics (16-3) lock horns with the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-3), two top contenders in the standings. The event will be held at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and not only is it elevated to be one of the most competitive matches, but the teams are ready to battle for later playoff seeds. It will also feature on the platform NBAt, and part of the shootout will be streamed through NBA League Pass.
| When: | Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM ET |
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| Where: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
| TV: | NBAt |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
$105k raised during #SunLifeDunk4Diabetes đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/NIvZwHgTeu
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 30, 2024
The current betting landscape sees the Celtics favored slightly on the moneyline and a 3-point spread, reflecting their robust season performance despite some challenges against the spread. Both teams have shown a tendency to push the total over in recent games, suggesting an action-packed game that could very well exceed the over/under line of 236.5.
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | -3 (-110) | 236.5 over (-110) | -120 |  |
| Cavaliers | +3 (-110) | 236.5 under (-110) | +103 | |
| ||||
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Donovan Mitchell (PG)
Jayson Tatum has easily been the most valuable player for the Celtics so far this season playing all of the 19 games while averaging with 28.7 points across 36.3 minutes of gameplay. Alongside his scoring assistance, he also garners a remarkable number of grabs and assists as well. Although, it will be a problem for Tatum against this Cavaliers team, who possesses a great defensive squad, having a turnover rate of 2.8 times per game is not great.
On the other hand, Donovan Mitchell, who is the star point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has also chipped in with decent numbers as he averages 24.1 points on a shooter’s performance which is on the higher side. Mitchell’s thievery with a wicked right allows him to grab and steal a game 1.5 times, which may help him turn the game in favor of the Cavs. His scoring will be pivotal in deciding games especially when they are crucibles in terms of timing.
The battle of quick scoring and pace-setting between Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell could be the key to the fixture going and the points scored. It does set the stage very well for Mitchell who has the quickness and ability to go off the Iggy fish for scoring contests with Tatum. Both these players perform crucial roles in the offensive gameplay of their respective teams and will have to target the opposing forwards’ shortcomings to gain progression.
Shooting Efficiency from Boston’s Bench
The Celtics have had a great offensive performance with an average of 121.2 points scored and a field shooting percentage of over 46.4%. They are particularly strong in three-point shooting as well, making an average of 19.2 three-pointers each game at a conversion rate of 37.8%. This skill in shooting from the deep range was instrumental in their winning streak against the LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, and will be significant again against a weaker Cleveland three-point shooting defense.
Cleveland’s Home Court Dominance
The Cavaliers’ home court is a stronghold as they have only lost one game out of eleven at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. They are aiming for the best overall shooting percentage in the league (51.2%) which can be accomplished through smart shots and Mitchell’s good offensive direction. They are also good defensively with 9.3 steals per game establishing an aggressive style of play that suits their offensive strategies.
Trends
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Boston are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston’s last 8 games.
Boston are 7-0 SU in their last 7 games.
Boston are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against Cleveland.
Boston are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
Cleveland are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 8 games.
Cleveland are 17-3 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland’s last 13 games against Boston.
Cleveland are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games at home
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Prediction
Owing to the current form and stats, it can be assumed that the game will be neck to neck, with plenty of scoring. There is a clear premise to believe then that the Celtics’ three-pointers and Cavaliers’ shooting efficiency would lead to an entertaining spectacle. Boston is favored, but looking at how Cleveland has performed at home or against the spread recently, they might be able to win or at least cover the spread comfortably.
Back the Cavaliers to cover +3 and also consider the Total Points going OVER. Both teams have been in good offensive form and based on their previous patterns of engagement, expect many points to be scored. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Cavaliers 119, Celtics 116.
