The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0) and the Boston Celtics (11-3) link up in a heavyweight Eastern Conference showdown on Tuesday as part of the 2024 NBA Cup. Cleveland’s 15-0 start is the second-best win streak to begin a season in league history. On Sunday, the Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 128-114. Meanwhile, Boston has won four of its past five games. On Nov. 16, the Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 126-123 after Jayson Tatum hit a game-winning 3-pointer. Max Strus (ankle) and Dean Wade (ankle) are out for Cleveland with Caris LeVert (knee) and Isaac Okoro (ankle) questionable. Kristaps Porzingis (leg) remains out for Boston.
Tip-off from TD Garden in Boston is set for 7 p.m. ET. Boston is a 5.5-point favorite in the latest Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 235. Boston is a -246 favorite on the money line (risk $246 to win $100), with Cleveland at +200. Before locking in any Cavaliers vs. Celtics picks, make sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 5 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 109-74 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has simulated Cavs vs. Celtics 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Celtics vs. Cavs:
Cavaliers vs. Celtics spread: Boston -5.5
Cavaliers vs. Celtics over/under: 235 points
Cavaliers vs. Celtics money line: Boston -246, Cleveland +200
BOS: 7-7 ATS this season
CLE: 11-4 ATS this season
Cavaliers vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Cavaliers vs. Celtics streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Celtics can cover
Tatum is a fearless scorer for the Celtics. The 26-year-old is third in the NBA in scoring (29.7) while leading the team in rebounds (7.9) and assists (5.9). In his last outing, Tatum finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. He’s also made at least five 3-pointers in five of his last seven games.
Guard Jaylen Brown is Tatum’s running mate. Brown is another sho creator and athletic force on both ends of the floor. The California product averages 25.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, four assists and 1.1 steals per game. He’s finished with at least 25 points in three straight games. In the win over the Raptors, Brown had 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists. See who to back at SportsLine.
Why the Cavaliers can cover
Guard Donovan Mitchell is the No. 1 weapon on the offensive end. Mitchell has great athleticism to finish with force, while also having a crisp jumper. He leads the team in points (24.6) with 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. The five-time All-Star also shoots 42% from downtown and logs 1.5 steals per game. In his last contest, Mitchell had 37 points, seven rebounds and went 7-of-13 from beyond the arc.
Forward Evan Mobley gives the Cav a force in the frontcourt. He has a soft touch around the rim and will be an asset on the boards. The USC product averages 18.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and shoots 57% from the field. He has five double-doubles this season. In the win over the Hornets, Mobley had 23 points and 11 rebounds. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make Cavaliers vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under the total, projecting 229 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s picks.