Eastern Conference Finals Game 1
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics (May 18, 08:30 GMT+8)
“We Want Cleveland!”
That’s what Boston fans chanted in the closing moments of the Celtics’ Game 7 victory over the Washington Wizards, and they will have that wish granted as the Eastern Conference Finals starts this Thursday.
They may be forgiven considering that Boston will be playing at home after clinching the East top seed, but they can’t relax and think that they have the advantage as betting odds and most betting tips have the Cavaliers coming out on top after the game and after the series.
Although most online gambling experts aren’t writing off the possibility of an upset – we’re talking about the top-seeded team after all – the Wine and Gold shirts are predicted to show their dominance and make a strong statement in Game 1.
There’s no better place to do it than on your opponents’ home ground, right?
Cleveland’s biggest advantage is the weeklong rest they got. Everybody knows what LeBron James and Co. can do with a pair of fresh legs, just ask the Toronto Raptors who experienced that horror firsthand.
Not to mention that this will be a different Cavs team that the C’s will be facing. Cleveland might still be the same on paper, though their performance in the postseason would make one believe that they really have a switch that they flip come playoffs time.
The Cavs’ defence was their fatal flaw heading into the playoffs, but they have shown some ridiculous defending in their sweep of the Pacers and Raptors. Even Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving—who are not known defenders—contributed to creating huge defensive pressure to their opponents.
Boston’s chance will come if they can stop LeBron from running plays and dictating the tempo; however, Coach Brad Stevens will have to know first who among his players is best suited to guard the King (here’s to hoping that he won’t be Kelly Olynyk’s next target).
Much of their success will also depend on Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford whose all-around performance has helped them make it this far. If Horford consistently sustains his play while IT carries the offence, they have a legitimate chance of pulling off a surprise on the parquet floor of TD Garden.
Three of the four regular-season meetings between them ended with a lead six points or less, so this one should be another competitive affair. Nonetheless, I think the Cavaliers have too much advantage given the depth of their squad that is nothing like the Wizards who pushed the Celts to the limit.
If you’re punting, Cleveland Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 2.03 appears to be the more logical choice.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
