NBA Season Tipoff: Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Prediction, 10–17–2017
Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Wednesday, October 17th, 8:00 pm EST
NBA Prediction and Odds
NBA Odds: Cavaliers -3.5, 212
Boston Celtics
The 2017 NBA season tips off Tuesday night at 8 pm with a rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Boston Celtics take on the defending Eastern Conference Champion, Cleveland Cavaliers.
Boston made the biggest splash in the offseason, trading All Star PG Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland for All Star PG, Kyrie Erving. In addition, the Celtics also signed free agent Gordon Hayward who had a career season scoring 21.9 PPG, 5 RPG and 3.5 assists per game. It’s a revamped roster that may need some time gel but the expectations are high in Beantown.
The Celtics finished last season with a (53–29) record and were placed first in the East. In the playoffs they eliminated Chicago in the first round, Washington in the semifinals and they were eliminated by the Cavaliers in the Eastern Finals.
Celtics Betting Trends
- Celtics are 3–0–1 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Cleveland
- Road team is 12–3–1 ATS in the last 16 meetings
Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s all about championships to the Cleveland Cavaliers and they didn’t have the firepower to compete with Golden State last season. In the offseason they added depth and traded away disgruntled PG, Kyrie Erving. Cleveland signed Dwyane Wade, traded for Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder and also signed Derrick Rose so it’s fair to say that the Cavaliers are a stronger and deeper team.
Cavaliers finished last season with a (51–31) record and placed second in the East, behind Boston. Cleveland was never challenged in the Eastern Conference Playoffs winning 12 and losing just 1 game.
Cleveland Betting Trends
- Cavaliers are 8–2–1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference
- Cavaliers are 3–7 ATS in their last 10 home games
Celtics vs Cavaliers Prediction
This is a marquee game to kick off the 2017 NBA season and it’s the best you’re going to get in the Eastern Conference. LeBron’s status for this game is uncertain which would be a big blow for the Cavs who historically struggle when he doesn’t suit up. We fully expect Kyrie Erving to bring his A game and with help from Gordon Hayward, Boston and the points look like the play on Tuesday night.
Free Pick: Boston Celtics +3.5
