There were some intriguing questions about both sides as Game 1 loomed. How would Cleveland look after completing a tiresome, seven-game series against the Orlando Magic on Sunday? How would they operate without the services of Jarrett Allen, sidelines with an injury? Likewise, could the Celtics get by without help from Kristaps Porzingis, also nursing an ailment? Well, Game 1 was a one-sided affair going Boston’s way, 120-95.

For Game 2, the NBA Playoff odds have firm faith in the host Celtics, who are -13.5 favourites.

Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds

If the odds of the Celtics winning the series were steep enough before Game 1 was played, there is no sense in putting money on them now (-4999). The number of games in which in might happen is of greater interest. A sweep has become the most likely outcome (+120), closely followed by a gentlemen’s sweep (+150). If the Cavs take two games, that’s priced at a whopping +650.

It’s kind of sad to write that a Cleveland series win is +1600, which is borderline insulting (it was +800 before Game 1). Consider that the longest road, a 4-3 Cavs win, is an unbelievable +5000.

Neither of the major absentees, Allen and Porzingis, will be available for Game 2.

Cleveland Cavaliers

There is a reason why these are best-of-seven series. Clubs can changes tactics from game to game and learn from mistakes. In other cases they can simply try to do better at what should have worked in the previous match.

The reality is that Game 1 could have been within striking distance for the Cavaliers. Boston does not play consistently tight defence against shots from the perimeter, but the visitors only went 26.2 per cent from that range (11-for-42). It felt like every time Cleveland did something right, the Celtics did the same, just a bit better. Cleveland stormed out to 34 first quarter points, but Boston tallied 40. The Cavs’ defence was excellent in period two, limiting the hosts to 19 points, but they only netted 15. They made Jayson Tatum look average (7-for-19, 18 points) whilst allowing Derrick White to go off (9-for-16, 25 points).

Somebody, anybody, must go along for the ride with Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 33 points. Evan Mobley came closest with 17, but that’s not enough. Darius Garland was quiet with 16 points. If Mitchell nets 33 and the team loses by 25, no wonder the Cavs are +1600 for the series.

Boston Celtics

Game 2 is going to be another little test for the Celtics. So often in postseasons past has Boston been lackadaisical in these kinds of situations. Last year in Round 1, they lost Game 5 at home and needed six games to do away with Atlanta. They then lost Game 1 of the second round series of Round 2 against Philly.

So far so good in spring 2024. They thumped the Heat in Game 5 last week and did much the same to the Cavaliers in Game 1 on Tuesday. Do the Celtics think they can coast on Thursday or do they put the pedal to the metal? As mentioned, Tatum was quiet on the attack, but he was terrific defensively. Jaylen Brown came to the rescue with 32 points, courtesy of bully ball in the paint.

Special mention to Al Horford (eight boards, plus-15) and Luke Kornet (10 boards, plus-12). Horford is starting in lieu of Porzingis’ with Kornet as his substitute and both were excellent in Game 1.

NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Cavaliers vs. Celtics Game 2?

CAVALIERS

Away

105

CELTICS

Home

114

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