The Boston Celtics look to continue their dominance as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s also a battle between Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell, two of the top players from the 2017 draft class.
Catch the game this Wednesday, May 8th, at 7:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)
Projected starting five:
- Darius Garland
- Donovan Mitchell
- Max Strus
- Isaac Okoro
- Evan Mobley
The Cavaliers just got out of a grueling seven-game series vs. the Orlando Magic, and we’re about to see if that gassed them out or gave them better rhythm. They need every positive energy as they are facing a formidable foe. They also lost the season series with the Celtics, 2-1, averaging 108.3 points per game with a -5.0 net rating.
All-Star Donovan Mitchell averaged 28.7 PPG in the first round of the playoffs, and had 30.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 4.0 APG in two meetings against the Celtics during the regular season. Backcourt partner Darius Garland will remain as his main aid. He was only at 14.9 PPG in the Magic series, but compiled 20.3 points, 7.3 dimes, and 1.7 steals vs. BOS. Swingmen Max Strus, Caris LeVert, and Isaac Okoro, meanwhile, have been inconsistent, and ought to be more reliable.
With Jarrett Allen still out, Evan Mobley (12.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG vs. ORL) will be eyed to do more in the paint. He only met Boston once this season, tallying four points, six boards, four assists, and two steals across 23 minutes.
Cleveland finished inside the top 7 in points allowed and defensive rating this season, and it will be tested heavily again.
HOME: Boston Celtics (0-0)
Projected starting five:
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis (out) / Al Horford
The Celtics will be back after a well-deserved six-day rest following their dominating 4-1 win over the Miami Heat in the first round. This upcoming series figures to be a tad tougher, though they should be able to fine. They won two of the three regular season matchups with Cleveland, posting 113.3 PPG with a +5.0 ret rating.
While the efficient lineup is still incomplete due to Kristaps Porzingis’s injury, the team is still pretty loaded, and will continue to be powered by the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown tandem, who had 26.0 and 22.7 PPG in the regular season vs. the Cavaliers, respectively. Derrick White has emerged as the third scorer, and he may remain as such with Porzingis out. The 29-year-old erupted for 35 and 28 points with 13 combined threes in his last two playoff games, and will come in with a lot of confidence.
Jrue Holiday has been offensively quiet in the postseason, but he’ll once again be a defensive ace in this series as he, along with White, will be tasked to contain Donovan Mitchell.
PICKS:
Spread: Cavaliers (+11.5)
Over/Under: Under (208)
