The Boston Celtics began the Eastern Conference Finals as underdogs, but dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first game of this series. If they can double up and pick up another victory next time out, they will be in great position to make it to the NBA Finals.
The first game was basically a pick ‘em but Boston was ahead from start to finish and brought home an easy victory. The Cavaliers can calm down any concerns by winning Game 2 next time out but they need to be much more crisp.
The Celtics have been seemingly counted out each step of the way in these playoffs because they are battling without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. But Boston keeps on racking up wins and can take control of this series next time out in NBA basketball gambling.
Game 2 of this NBA Playoff Series is on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 8:30 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The contest will be nationally televised on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
Odds Analysis
The Celtics were one-point favorites in Game 1 and even after blowing out Cleveland the oddsmakers have made them identical favorites heading into Game 2. More than 69 percent of the early action is on Boston to cover the spread.
The scoring total is listed at 202.5 points, with the “under” getting about 57 percent of the action. The “under” hit in Game 1 as the Cavaliers really struggled to score.
The Cavaliers and the Celtics are both given -110 odds to win Game 2 on the moneyline. The Celtics are getting the majority of the action.
Last Time Out
The Celtics may have only been the slightest of favorites in Game 1 but they jumped out to a 21-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Jaylen Brown led the way with 23 points and eight rebounds while Al Horford added 20 points and six assists while shooting 8-of-10 from the field. Boston hit on a sparkling 51.2 percent of its shots from the field as its ball movement was crisp, resulting in many good looks.
The Celtics led by 26 points at the half and the Cavaliers were never within single digits after intermission. Kevin Love had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead the way for Cleveland. LeBron James was bottled up, as he scored just 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting while turning the ball over seven times.
Player To Watch
James -- If the Cavaliers plan to bounce back in Game 2, James is going to need to play much better. He had a minus-32 plus/minus when on the court on Sunday. The Celtics have good depth but Cleveland is the favorite because of the presence of James.
Boston has several solid on-ball defenders and it has been able to rotate different players onto James with great success. Even so, when LeBron is rolling, nobody in the NBA can guard him. He has to turn it on in this one for his team to have a chance to evening the series.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Cavaliers aren’t going to get dominated like they did in Game 1, but the Celtics looked to have a really good game plan. Game 2 should have more ups and downs and the Cavs could have a lead in the second half. However, Boston is the pick to come away with the win, which will really put the pressure on Cleveland to hold serve at home in the next two games.
Take the Celtics to capture Game 2 and cover the spread. The “under” is the choice on the scoring total in NBA basketball gambling.
NBA ATS Pick: Celtics 103, Cavaliers 98
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