After two blowout victories for each team, the series between the Celtics and Cavaliers moves to Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday night. The series is tied 1-1.
Game 2 was a case of “Anything you can do we can do better.” The Cleveland Cavaliers took notes from their emphatic defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the first match and responded in kind for the second, winning 118-94. From defence to three-point shooting, the Cavs were clearly the better team and now head home with some momentum.
Despite their deserved loss on Thursday night, the Celtics remain favourites on the NBA Playoff odds. For Game 3 they’re pegged at -8.5.
Celtics vs. Cavaliers NBA Betting Odds
Just one game can change a lot. Heading into Thursday’s action Cleveland was a ridiculous +1600 to claim the series over Boston. As of Friday morning, that figure has plummeted to +650. They’re still underdogs, but at least there is sensible hope now.
However, the odds remain steep for each prop that guesses the number of games in which Donovan Mitchell and company will do the deed. Six games is now +1600 and seven games is now +2000 (it was +5000).
Boston’s outlook remains positive, as one might guess. A gentleman’s sweep is -105, six games is +350, and the Celtics winning in extremis is +475.
Of note, this is the second consecutive series these playoffs and third overall that the Celtics dropped Game 2 at home. In response, last year in the conference finals they lost Game 3 to Miami, whereas this year they won Game 3 in Miami. The Cavaliers have yet to lose at home this postseason.
Boston Celtics
In The Athletic’s newsletter for Friday, May 10, one writer is quoted as saying that the Celtics “just aren’t a serious club when shots aren’t falling.”
Boston fans may take umbrage with said comment given how wonderful the team has played overall for a few seasons by now. But the reality is that everyone is still waiting for this Jayson Tatum–Jaylen Brown generation of Celtics to get over the playoff hump and prove that all the hype is worthwhile. Game 2 was yet another clunker of a performance, just like some of the 2022 Finals performances were and just like some of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals performances were.
The Celtics shot 22.9 per cent from three which, predictably, sunk them. They were buzz sawed off the glass (44-31), making Kristaps Porzingis’ absence felt. The Derrick White heroics were absent (10 points, 1-for-8 from distance), and all starters except Al Horford were a minus-21 or worse. Yikes.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The performance in Game 2 was the Cavaliers was like a warning shot. It went beyond levelling the series 1-1. The tilt now shifts to Ohio and J.B. Bickerstaff’s group is an excellent home team (26-15 this season, 4-0 in Round 1). Not to mention the epic 22-point comeback versus these same Celtics back in March.
We wrote about how Donovan Mitchell doing everything on his own was going to spell disaster for Cleveland. The club took note. Although he still led the way with 29 points, he also played facilitator with eight helpers. Evan Mobley was a greater presence (21-10-5), and Caris LeVert was terrific off the bench (21 points, 9-for-17 shooting). Every Cavalier starter hit double-digit points as well.
They also didn’t back down from a tough situation. If anything, Cleveland recognized that an opportunity beckoned. With the score tied 54-54 at halftime, rather than wither under the pressure, the Cavs destroyed the Celtics 64-40 in the remaining two periods.
NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. Cavaliers Game 3?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time | fav | line | total |
---|---|---|---|
Opening 10 May 2:43am | CLE | -7.5 -110 | O +212.5 -115 |
Closing 12 May 2:43am | CLE | -10.5 -130 | O +204.5 -115 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points |
26.85 |
Assists |
5.16 |
Rebounds |
8.12 |
FG% |
70 |
Steals |
1.19 |
Blocks |
1.95 |
Points |
26.6 |
Assists |
6.54 |
Rebounds |
10.53 |
FG% |
63.4 |
Steals |
1.84 |
Blocks |
1.44 |
Points |
25 |
Assists |
6.26 |
Rebounds |
9.68 |
FG% |
66.7 |
Steals |
1.21 |
Blocks |
1.57 |
Points |
29.6 |
Assists |
5.75 |
Rebounds |
13.75 |
FG% |
67.6 |
Steals |
1.3 |
Blocks |
2.17 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cavaliers Team Leaders
Points |
26.85 |
Assists |
5.16 |
Rebounds |
8.12 |
FG% |
70 |
Steals |
1.19 |
Blocks |
1.95 |
Points |
26.6 |
Assists |
6.54 |
Rebounds |
10.53 |
FG% |
63.4 |
Steals |
1.84 |
Blocks |
1.44 |
Points |
25 |
Assists |
6.26 |
Rebounds |
9.68 |
FG% |
66.7 |
Steals |
1.21 |
Blocks |
1.57 |
Points |
29.6 |
Assists |
5.75 |
Rebounds |
13.75 |
FG% |
67.6 |
Steals |
1.3 |
Blocks |
2.17 |
Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Luke Kornet (C)
Xavier Tillman (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Al Horford (C)
Caris LeVert (SG)
Jarrett Allen (C)
Craig Porter Jr. (PG)
Craig Porter Jr. (PG)
Darius Garland (PG)
Caris LeVert (SG)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Isaac Okoro (SF)
Caris LeVert (SG)
Craig Porter Jr. (PG)
Injuries
player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Mon | Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 | 1-1 | 0-3 | + - |
Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Ques Thurs | Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 | 2-2 | 0-5 | + - |
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Mon | Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
Xavier Tillman (PF) | Ques Sat | Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 | 3-5 | 4-5 | + - |
Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 | 4-7 | 5-7 | + - |
Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Thur | Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 | 8-7 | 7-9 | + - |
Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Sat | Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 | 9-8 | 9-10 | + - |
Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
Al Horford (C) | Prob Sun | Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 | 10-9 | 11-10 | + - |
Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caris LeVert (SG) | Out Wed | Knee - 14 / 05 / 24 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
LeVert is dealing with a left knee bone bruise, and he will not suit up against the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
Jarrett Allen (C) | Out Wed | Ribs - 30 / 04 / 24 | 3-5 | 4-4 | + - |
Allen is dealing with a right rib contusion, and he will not battle the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
Craig Porter Jr. (PG) | Out indefinitely | Ankle - 27 / 04 / 24 | 3-6 | 5-4 | + - |
Porter Jr. is out of action with a left ankle sprain, and he will miss an extended period. |
|||||
Craig Porter Jr. (PG) | Out Sat | Ankle - 14 / 04 / 24 | 6-7 | 7-6 | + - |
Porter Jr. is dealing with a left ankle sprain, and he will not be available against the Magic for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
Darius Garland (PG) | Prob Sat | Back - 13 / 04 / 24 | 6-7 | 7-6 | + - |
Garland is managing a back contusion, but it is predicted that he will play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Magic. |
|||||
Caris LeVert (SG) | Prob Sat | Knee - 13 / 04 / 24 | 6-7 | 7-6 | + - |
LeVert is battling left knee soreness, but he is likely to lace up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Magic. |
|||||
Sam Merrill (PG) | Prob Sat | Neck - 09 / 04 / 24 | 7-8 | 8-7 | + - |
Merrill is limited due to whiplash, but he is expected to line up against the Magic in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
Isaac Okoro (SF) | Prob Sun | Toe - 30 / 03 / 24 | 8-12 | 11-9 | + - |
Okoro has been absent from the last four games due to right great toe sprain, but it is expected that he will be in Sunday's lineup versus the Clippers. |
|||||
Caris LeVert (SG) | Prob Sun | Wrist - 29 / 03 / 24 | 8-13 | 12-9 | + - |
LeVert was absent from the previous game due to right wrist soreness, but it is likely that he will suit up against the Nuggets on Sunday. |
|||||
Craig Porter Jr. (PG) | Prob Sat | Illness - 29 / 03 / 24 | 8-13 | 12-9 | + - |
Porter Jr. has sat out the last four contests with an illness, but he is expected to play against the Lakers on Saturday. |
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 10 May 2:43am CLE -7.5 -110 O +212.5 -115 Closing 12 May 2:43am CLE -10.5 -130 O +204.5 -115 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 26.6
Assists 6.54
Rebounds 10.53
FG% 63.4
Steals 1.84
Blocks 1.44
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
Points 29.6
Assists 5.75
Rebounds 13.75
FG% 67.6
Steals 1.3
Blocks 2.17
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cavaliers Team Leaders
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 26.6
Assists 6.54
Rebounds 10.53
FG% 63.4
Steals 1.84
Blocks 1.44
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
Points 29.6
Assists 5.75
Rebounds 13.75
FG% 67.6
Steals 1.3
Blocks 2.17
-
Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24Xavier Tillman (PF)
Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24Al Horford (C)
Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24Caris LeVert (SG)
Out Wed Knee - 14 / 05 / 24Jarrett Allen (C)
Out Wed Ribs - 30 / 04 / 24Craig Porter Jr. (PG)
Out indefinitely Ankle - 27 / 04 / 24Craig Porter Jr. (PG)
Out Sat Ankle - 14 / 04 / 24Darius Garland (PG)
Prob Sat Back - 13 / 04 / 24Caris LeVert (SG)
Prob Sat Knee - 13 / 04 / 24Sam Merrill (PG)
Prob Sat Neck - 09 / 04 / 24Isaac Okoro (SF)
Prob Sun Toe - 30 / 03 / 24Caris LeVert (SG)
Prob Sun Wrist - 29 / 03 / 24Craig Porter Jr. (PG)
Prob Sat Illness - 29 / 03 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 1-1 0-3 + - Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 2-2 0-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Xavier Tillman (PF) Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 3-5 4-5 + - Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 4-7 5-7 + - Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 8-7 7-9 + - Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 9-8 9-10 + - Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Al Horford (C) Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 10-9 11-10 + - Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Caris LeVert (SG) Out Wed Knee - 14 / 05 / 24 1-0 1-0 + - LeVert is dealing with a left knee bone bruise, and he will not suit up against the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Jarrett Allen (C) Out Wed Ribs - 30 / 04 / 24 3-5 4-4 + - Allen is dealing with a right rib contusion, and he will not battle the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Craig Porter Jr. (PG) Out indefinitely Ankle - 27 / 04 / 24 3-6 5-4 + - Porter Jr. is out of action with a left ankle sprain, and he will miss an extended period.
Craig Porter Jr. (PG) Out Sat Ankle - 14 / 04 / 24 6-7 7-6 + - Porter Jr. is dealing with a left ankle sprain, and he will not be available against the Magic for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Darius Garland (PG) Prob Sat Back - 13 / 04 / 24 6-7 7-6 + - Garland is managing a back contusion, but it is predicted that he will play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Magic.
Caris LeVert (SG) Prob Sat Knee - 13 / 04 / 24 6-7 7-6 + - LeVert is battling left knee soreness, but he is likely to lace up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Magic.
Sam Merrill (PG) Prob Sat Neck - 09 / 04 / 24 7-8 8-7 + - Merrill is limited due to whiplash, but he is expected to line up against the Magic in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Isaac Okoro (SF) Prob Sun Toe - 30 / 03 / 24 8-12 11-9 + - Okoro has been absent from the last four games due to right great toe sprain, but it is expected that he will be in Sunday's lineup versus the Clippers.
Caris LeVert (SG) Prob Sun Wrist - 29 / 03 / 24 8-13 12-9 + - LeVert was absent from the previous game due to right wrist soreness, but it is likely that he will suit up against the Nuggets on Sunday.
Craig Porter Jr. (PG) Prob Sat Illness - 29 / 03 / 24 8-13 12-9 + - Porter Jr. has sat out the last four contests with an illness, but he is expected to play against the Lakers on Saturday.