Celtics vs. Cavaliers: Prediction, Odds, Bets For Game 5

The Boston Celtics held off a shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers squad during Monday’s 109-102 victory in Game 4. 

The Celtics, who lead 3-1, now have a chance to finish off the series in Wednesday’s Game 5 and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Despite missing Donovan Mitchell (calf injury), Cleveland put together an inspired effort against Boston at home. Darius Garland scored 30 points on 12-for-27 shooting. 

The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

Oddsmakers expect the Celtics to clinch a series victory in convincing fashion, listing them as 15.5-point favorites with an over/under of 205.5.

Here’s a look at the NBA playoff odds and my Game 5 prediction: 

Celtics vs. Cavaliers: Game 5 Odds

• Celtics moneyline: -1600
• Cavaliers moneyline: +900
• Spread: Celtics -15.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: 204.5

Celtics vs. Cavaliers: Game 5 Prediction

Pick: Cavaliers +15.5 (-105)

The Celtics have been playing with their food all postseason. They have dropped one home game in both series thus far and have hardly looked overwhelming during the playoffs.

Boston can get away with that in the Eastern Conference playoffs, where it is -650 to reach the NBA Finals. Perhaps it will ultimately catch up to the Celtics, but the betting market is late catching up to their current value.

The Cavs are 2-2 against the spread in this series, covering twice as double-digit underdogs. 

The Celtics, meanwhile, have posted an average coverage margin of -0.8 in the playoffs.

Mitchell remains questionable for Game 5, but if he returns to the lineup, this line would move in Cleveland’s favor. 

Either way, this number is simply too high.

NBA ATS Records 2023-24

NBA Over/Under Records 2023-24