Cavaliers vs Celtics Betting Odds – Cleveland Too Much for Aging Celtics

The Cavaliers (44-14) snapped their three-game losing streak on Tuesday with a win over New Orleans and will go looking for a win streak when they play a Celtics team that has won four of five. Boston (36-19) is sitting in third place and could come within a half game of second placed Orlando with a win. Cleveland is still 5.5 games clear of the rest of the Eastern Conference despite their losing streak.

The Storyline – Cavaliers vs Celtics betting odds breakdown
The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers have not faced one another since a 95-89 win by Paul Pierce and company on the opening day of the season. Both made trades at the deadline when Cleveland picked up Antawn Jamison and Boston acquired Nate Robinson. With the two getting games under their belts and having practiced with the team for over a week, they are getting he feel for the systems and should start performing at their normal levels.

Offensive Matchups – Cavaliers vs Celtics betting odds breakdown 
Those doing sports betting should know that Antawn Jamison is starting to hit his stride with the Cavaliers. Fans were getting anxious after he was 0-12 for just two points in his debut but has since thrown up 37 in his past two games and was inserted into the starting line-up for the last game. LeBron James has slipped a little at the scoring end, letting his average drop to 29.8 a game, and has fallen behind Kevin Durant for the league lead. Second in field-goal and three-point percentage, they are very efficient and Boston will have to do something to knock them off their game.

Boston has put up some solid offensive numbers lately despite Pierce’s injury putting up 105 and 110 in their last two games. Ray Allen has been on fire lately shooting over 64 percent and scoring over 20 in each of his last four games including 43.5 from downtown. With a Cavaliers team that regularly breaks the century mark, it will be a tall task for the Celtics to keep up as they only averages 98.7 and sometimes struggle on offence.

Betting Edge: Cavaliers

Defensive Matchups – Cavaliers vs Celtics betting odds breakdown 
Cleveland holds opponents to a third best 95 points a game and has only allowed two teams in the past 15 to break 100 points. They will have some problems down low as Shaquille O’Neal is not as mobile as he once was and will struggle to stay with the Celtic big-men. Despite LeBron regularly getting blocks, Cleveland only averages four a game.  

Boston’s defence has been up and down this month after battling with some injury problems. They have held teams to under 95 points on six occasions however they have allowed more than 105 in their past two games. Allowing the least points against, with 93.8, and second in steals and forced turnovers, this team gets after it on defence and will need to play hard against a Cavaliers team that has the ability to score at will.

Betting Edge: Celtics

Notable Injuries – Cavaliers vs Celtics betting odds breakdown 
The Cavaliers are healthy but the Celtics are fighting the injury bug yet again. Paul Pierce is the victim this time and is a game time decision to be in the line-up as he is suffering through a thumb injury on his shooting hand. The injury caused him to miss the Celtics game on Tuesday and if he is unable to go Marquis Daniels will likely get another start.

Betting Edge: Cavaliers

Betting Prediction – Cavaliers vs Celtics betting odds breakdown 
The experts doing the sportsbook know that this game will be greatly affected by Pierce and the health of his thumb. If he is unable to play, it not only takes away one of their best offensive weapons but also leaves the Celtics without one of their best defenders and one that would be guarding LeBron. Even if he plays, the Cavaliers are just too good for the Celtics and should come away with the victory.

Pick: Cavaliers