It’s a marquee matchup as the undefeated, 15-0 Cavaliers go up against the defending champion Celtics. Can the surging Cavs continue their hot start?
It’s a marquee matchup as the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers go up against the defending champion Boston Celtics. Can the surging Cavs continue their hot start?
Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0, 7-0 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- Darius Garland
- Donovan Mitchell
- Isaac Okoro
- Evan Mobley
- Jarrett Allen
As evidenced in their record, the Cavaliers have simply been flawless, racking up 123.7 points per game with a net rating of +12.3, both of which are league-bests. It’s a clear preview of what having good coaching, solid chemistry, and balanced offensive and defensive schemes can do. This is a different squad from the one that got eliminated in five games by the Celtics this past playoffs.
Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (24.6 PPG) will be back after a one-game absence, which was likely made to have better conditioning in this headlining battle.
Mitchell’s backcourt with playmaker Darius Garland (21.4 PPG, 7.0 APG), alongside the rim-protecting tandem of giants Evan Mobley (18.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG) and Jarrett Allen (14.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG), lead the Cavs’ fun bunch. While they are way behind in experience and accolades, there’s no denying that they have the tools to be a legit contender in the East, and it’s something that new head coach Kenny Atkinson has been unlocking from the get-go.
Swingman Caris LeVert, forward Isaac Okoro, point guard Ty Jerome, and resident shooters Sam Merill and Georges Niang remain as the main role players. All are good counters to the Celtics’ deep group.
HOME: Boston Celtics (11-3, 4-2 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis (out) / Al Horford
The defending champs head to the game having won their last two games. They also have strong numbers as they score 121.6 PPG (second only to CLE) with a +10.2 net rating.
As always, we can expect threes to be the team’s bread and butter. They are #1 in made (18.9) and attempted threes per game (51.1), and they’ve been fairly efficient (37%), so opponents are left to eat dust on most nights. But, of course, it’s the sheer talent and depth that’s killing pretty much everyone, and that’s even with Kristaps Porzingis still out.
Jayson Tatum still appears to be on a mean streak, and he’s atop the MVP ladder with 29.7 points, 7.9 boards, 5.9 dimes, and 1.4 steals per game. Look for him to be aggressive in testing the undefeated Cavs. He has had 30 or more points in eight of his 14 games this season.
Reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown is right there beside Tatum, and he’s at 29.3 PPG across his last three, which began right after missing because of a short-term injury.
The backcourt of Derrick White (18.3 PPG), who’s having a career year thus far, and savvy two-way weapon Jrue Holiday, will continue complementing the team’s top stars. Al Horford and Payton Pritchard will provide damage too.
PICKS:
Spread: Celtics (-5)
Over/Under: Over (233)
