The Boston Celtics have lost control of the Eastern Conference Finals, as the Cleveland Cavaliers have won two straight games to pull even. That’s the bad news for Boston, but the good news is that it is heading home.
The Celtics are undefeated in nine games at home in the playoffs and another victory in Game 5 can give them control of the series again. The oddsmakers have made this one a virtual toss-up and the team that wins will be just a game away from the NBA Finals.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this as each side badly wants a victory. Based on the spread this one could come down to the wire in NBA basketball betting lines.
Game 5 of this NBA Playoff Series is on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 8:30 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The contest will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Celtics have been listed as 1-point favorites to bounce back and knock off the Cavaliers. The betting public is behind Boston early on as it is getting about 71 percent of the action to cover the spread.
The scoring total is listed at 206 points, with the “over” the more popular choice early on. The Celtics and the Cavaliers are both listed at -110 on the moneyline to win this game, with the Cavaliers getting about 56 percent of the action.
Last Time Out
The Cavaliers tied the series up in Game 4 and now head back to Boston with all the momentum. The Celtics will look to find a way to find their groove back at home after falling 111-102.
LeBron James finished with 44 points in Game 4 while Tristan Thompson finished with a double-double, including 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavs shot 50.6 percent from the field, putting together back-to-back 34-point quarters to start the game and get ahead early.
Boston’s starting unit played well, behind 25 points from Jaylen Brown, but didn’t have enough juice in the second half to pull off a comeback. The Celtics’ defense is usually stout but it had trouble stopping James and Co., which is a concern heading into Game 5.
Player To Watch
Kyle Korver -- The Cleveland sharpshooter was fantastic in Game 4, pouring in 14 points on 4-of-7 from the field, including a pair of three-pointers. He added four rebounds and even blocked three shots, adding some defense, an area of the floor where he generally struggles.
When Korver is on he is a big help for the Cavaliers. James has been dominant this series but still needs aid from his supporting case. Korver was great last time out and if he is on again, Cleveland should be in good shape in Game 5.
The Cavaliers have generally gone the way of their supporting cast in this series, as it was putrid in Game 2 but played much better at home. The Cleveland complementary pieces now must make sure their game travels in this matchup in Boston.
Free NBA ATS Picks
A return home should help cure some of Boston’s ills. The crowd will be rocking and the team is young, so it should feel more comfortable in the familiar TD Garden. While this one should be close, it looks like the Cavs have figured something out by using Tristan Thompson defensively against Al Horford.
That minor adjustment should help pave the way for a Cavaliers victory in Game 5, setting up a chance to clinch this series back at home. Take Cleveland to win this game and cover the spread in NBA basketball gambling.
NBA ATS Pick: Cavaliers 101, Celtics 97
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