Celtics vs Cavaliers Picks – Cavs Will Close This Chapter Of The Celtics
The Boston Celtics are an NBA franchise that is rich with history and success. But their window of opportunity is coming to a close – at least for this roster. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have faded out of their prime, Doc Rivers is potentially leaving in the offseason, Rasheed Wallace, Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels haven’t fit in, which means that they will need some kind of magic to upend the top team in the East. Online betting cappers know that LeBron James’ elbow could be a factor but barring injury, the Cavs will roll the Celtics in this matchup.
The Story
All was well for the Cavaliers until the end of Game 5 of their first round matchup with the Chicago Bulls. James hurt his elbow at some point and was forced to shoot one of his free throws with his left hand. While an MRI has revealed no damage, it is clear that the injury bothered him – even if for just the final eight seconds of that contest. The Cavs will have extended rest prior to the start of this series, so this might not be a factor, but if it is, the Cavs could have a dogfight on their hands.
For Boston, they did dominate the Miami Heat but the Heat are listless. The Celtics are still a team that could fall apart at any point – especially if Cleveland wins the first two games of this series. The Celtics will be confident heading into Game 1 because of how they finished Miami but realistically, this team still has locker room issues and if things turn sour, sports betting sharps could expect a quick series.
Celtics vs Cavaliers: Better Starters?
The Celtics used to have the edge in this category but that is no longer the case. The Cavaliers added Shaquille O’Neal, Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker and Leon Powe this offseason, then added Antawn Jamison at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Celtics made a bunch of moves that backfired and now they are stuck with an aging roster.
Rajan Rondo is the catalyst and he is a phenomenal young point guard. But the Cavaliers have found a way to bait him into doing too much. The Celtics need him to play under control.
The Celtics still have Garnett, Allen and Pierce, but Garnett looks slow, Allen is inconsistent and Pierce has lost his quickness. All three can still take over the game, but only in short spurts, which won’t be enough.
O’Neal and Kendrick Perkins likely cancel, Jamison and Garnett are about even nowadays, Mo Williams and Rondo are similar, which leaves Anthony Parker on Allen and Pierce on James.
James is by far and away the best player in this series and the Celtics won’t have an answer for him. The Celtics no longer can say the same thing as their big three have faded.
Edge: Cavaliers
Celtics vs Cavaliers: Better Bench?
The Celtics bench is a graveyard of failed moves. Robinson never fit in, neither did Daniels and Wallace proved to be a team cancer. Will any of those guys wake up or change their pattern?
The Celtics were hoping that as their big three faded in the twilight of their careers that the bench could pick them up. That wasn’t the case and their starters may be forced to play big minutes. The Celtics best bench weapons are Glen Davis and Tony Allen. Both will have to be difference makers in this series.
For the Cavaliers, NBA betting fans know they have one of the deepest teams around. Delonte West and Anderson Varejao now come off the bench. So does J.J. Hickson, an up-and-coming power forward, and Daniel Gibson, who was a key three-point killer in the playoffs over the last few years.
Don’t forget about Zydrunas Ilgauskas as well, who can come in and suck up some minutes at center if necessary.
The Cavs are deep and versatile all the way through their roster.
Edge: Cavaliers
Celtics vs Cavaliers: X-Factor?
The real x-factor in this series will be James is elbow. If he’s fine, the Cavaliers will likely romp the Celtics. If the elbow is a recurring problem – or flares up again – the Cavs could be in for a real dog fight.
The Celtics are old and slow now, and they have team chemistry issues. They tried to trade away Ray Allen, Wallace is a distraction and coach Rivers might depart in the offseason. A couple of bad beats and this team will be reminded of all of that. If they can keep their poise, they could pull off a historic performance and upset the Cavs. But given how they have played down the stretch of the season, that’s unlikely.
Who’s Gonna Win?
The sportsbook odds makers have the Cavaliers favored and it is for good reason. They are the best team in the NBA and the Celtics simply used to be that team – they aren’t the best anymore.
The regular season series was even at 2-2 but the Cavaliers two wins were more impressive. They have more talent, they are younger, they have home court advantage and they have the best player in the league. Al the Cavs need to do is steal one of either Game 3 or 4 in Boston and this series is done in five games.
