NBA Predictions: Will Cavs cover spread as underdog vs. Celtics? 2/11/18
Will the Cavs cover the point spread as an underdog Sunday in Boston? They’ll tip-off against their Eastern Conference rivals the Celtics at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The Odds: Cavs at Celtics, 3:30 p.m. ET, Sunday
According to oddsmakers, Boston is a 5-point home favorite for today’s game. Cleveland opened as a 4-point road dog but the line climbed a full point. As for the total, the number hit the board at 213.5 but was bet down to 212.5.
Cleveland enters play with a 32-22 record on the year but has struggled on the road, posting a 12-15 record. Boston, meanwhile, is an impressive 40-17 overall and 21-9 at home. From a betting standpoint, the Cavs are 16-37 against the spread on the year and 10-17 ATS on the road. The Celtics are 34-21 at the betting window this season and 16-12 ATS at home.
Cleveland Cavs Injury Report
Kevin Love remains out with a hand injury but the Cavs will have their new pieces that they just acquired at the deadline. Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, George Hill and Larry Nance Jr. will all suit up today in Boston.
Boston Celtics Injury Report
The Celtics will be without Gordon Hayward, who remains sidelined with a broken leg. Marcus Smart (hand) is out and so is Shane Larkin (knee).
Our Prediction
The Cavs have been a solid bet in Boston, where they have covered the spread in four of their last five trips. The road team is also 13-3-1 at the betting window in the last 17 meetings between these two teams overall. Boston, meanwhile, is 3-7-1 against the spread in its last 11 home games when facing a team with a losing road record.
Cleveland will likely be out of sync considering this lineup hasn’t played together all year. That said, I expect Lebron to play with an extra spring in his step now that he doesn’t have to deal with Isaiah Thomas. You know LeBron will be fired up to take down Kyrie Irving on his own court.
Sunday NBA Prediction: Cleveland Cavs +5
