Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA Cup Prediction & Odds for Nov. 19

The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0) will put their undefeated start to the test when they face the defending champions in Tuesday’s NBA Cup battle against the Boston Celtics (11-3) at the TD Garden.

Boston suffered an upset loss to the Atlanta Hawks as a 16-point favorite in its NBA Cup opener. That means the Celtics must hand the Cavaliers their first loss of the season if they hope to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Here is a look at the latest Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA odds and my best bet ahead of Tuesday’s showdown:

Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA Cup Odds, Nov. 19

• Point spread: Celtics -4.5
• Moneyline: Cavaliers +150/Celtics -185
• Total: 231.5

Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA Cup Prediction

Based on the initial odds at BetMGM’s online sportsbook, my favorite Cavaliers vs. Celtics NBA Cup prediction will be on Boston’s moneyline value (-185) in a much-anticipated matchup. I’d prefer to parlay this with a player prop now that the moneyline value has pushed past -170.

The Cavs’ perfect season ends on Tuesday. After losing to the Hawks, the Celtics have no choice but to treat this matchup as a must-win game.

Since last week’s loss to Atlanta, Boston has bounced back with wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors. Jayson Tatum delivered a game-winning triple to defeat Toronto.

Cleveland has been cruising lately, though it hasn’t faced a quality opponent since defeating the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 8. Donovan Mitchell rested in Sunday’s win against the Charlotte Hornets.

I predict the market will be eager to back the Celtics when lines become available. Based on my projections, I’d make the Celtics closer to -200 favorites.

I’m buying Boston to make a statement on Tuesday.