The Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers series is set to continue with Game 3 taking place in Ohio on Saturday. The Celtics and Cavs split the first two games at TD Garden, with Boston holding a slight edge heading into the next matchup. Despite missing Kristaps Porzingis due to a calf injury, the Celtics are still favorites with a 7.5-point spread. The game is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
The Celtics have been averaging 107.6 points per game in the 2024 NBA playoffs, while the Cavs have been putting up 98.2 points per game. Jarrett Allen’s questionable status could have an impact on the Cavs’ defense, as he deals with a rib injury. The Celtics have been led by guard Derrick White, who has been the team’s most consistent playmaker, averaging 21 points per game and shooting 45% from beyond the arc. Jaylen Brown also provides a strong offensive threat, averaging 23.6 points per game in the playoffs.
On the other side, the Cavaliers have seen strong performances from Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Mobley recorded a playoff-high 21 points in the last game, showcasing his versatility as a big man. Garland has been facilitating the offense well, averaging 14.7 points and 5.2 assists per game in the playoffs.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which has been highly successful in predicting NBA outcomes, is leaning towards an Over on the total points scored in the game. It also indicates that one side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time.
Overall, the Celtics have a slight advantage going into Game 3, but the Cavs have shown they can compete with strong performances from their key players. It will be an exciting matchup to see how both teams adjust and compete in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
For more in-depth analysis and NBA predictions, be sure to visit SportsLine to check out the latest picks and projections for the Celtics vs. Cavaliers showdown.
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