Bet on the NBA – Celtics Try to Even Series Against Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers did everything right in Game 1 of their best of seven Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series against the Boston Celtics.

Cleveland held Boston to 44.4% shooting and, more impressively, 25% from behind the arc. It was a fantastic showing for Cleveland who ended up winning the game 101 to 93 as 7-point basketball bet favorites.

Although Cleveland did everything right, the Celtics proved that they could play with the Cavaliers as they outscored Boston 26 to 20 in the 1st quarter and 28 to 23 in the 2nd quarter.

The Celtics get another shot at the Eastern Conference favorites when the two teams battle each other on Monday night. As expected, Boston will once again be the underdog in Game 2 of this series.

Boston Celtics +6 ½ -110 +260 O 192 ½ -110

Cleveland Cavaliers -6 ½ -110 -320 U 192 ½ -110

There are positive Basketball trends for both teams in this game.

• The Boston Celtics are 5 and 1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight-up loss.
• The Boston Celtics are 5 and 1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers are 5 and 0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600.
• The Home team is 6 and 2 ATS in the last 8 meetings between these two teams.

The problem that Cleveland might have in this game is, yes, they did everything right, but still had to play as hard as they’ve played all season long to not only beat the Celtics but to also cover the spread. A hard foul on Rajon Rondo and some blown opportunities by the Celtics led to the loss.

What it shows is that even when Cleveland is playing well, the Celtics can play just as well. It’s one of the reasons that sports gamblers up to this point aren’t sold on the Cavs ATS in this game. Sports gamblers currently favor Boston 53% to 47% in this game.

It’s hard to argue against the 53% sports gamblers. The Celtics had an 11-point lead in the 3rd quarter before the Cavaliers came storming back. Again, Cleveland can win this game on Monday night, but the smarter bet is on the Celtics to cover the 6 ½ point spread.

Boston knows that they can beat Cleveland. That kind of confidence is difficult to teach. And, difficult to overcome if you are the Cavs. Every game in this series should be a close one now that the Celtics know they blew a chance to beat Cleveland on the road and Cleveland knows that they are vulnerable to the Celtics brand of team defense.

The Cavs won by only 8 points in Game 1. In Game 2, the score should be even closer.

Boston is the pick to cover the spread in this game. They’re the team I’m going with.

NBA Betting Free Pick: Boston Celtics +6 ½ >> SIGN UP HERE!