NBA Playoffs Game 5 Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics

The Cleveland Cavaliers face a critical Game 5 against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, looking to upset as significant underdogs.

This second-round playoff matchup is set for Wednesday, with a tip-off at 7:00 PM ET, broadcast on TNT. The Celtics lead the series 3-1, aiming to close out and advance.

Game Details

• Event: NBA Playoffs – Second Round – Game 5
• Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
• Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
• Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• How to Watch: TNT

Betting Overview

In the last game the Celtics managed to secure a win, albeit narrowly, taking a 3-1 series lead and heading back to Boston with a chance to clinch the series on their home court.

For the Cavs, this next game is do-or-die, which inherently makes it just as critical for the Celtics.

What Boston needs to avoid at all costs is a loss at home to the Cavaliers, which would not only extend the series but also give Cleveland crucial momentum.

Certainly, the likelihood of the Celtics losing three consecutive games seems minimal. However, any defeat at this stage would expose potential weaknesses within a team that has otherwise dominated the league with its top-ranked offense and defense. It suggests that the right opponent, under the right circumstances, might exploit a chink in their armor over the course of a seven-game series.

While such a scenario is conceivable, the caliber of opponent needed to execute this would be exceedingly rare.

Game 5 Odds at BetOnline

	Spread	Moneyline	Total Points
Boston Celtics	-15.5 (-110)	-1450	O 205.5(-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers	+15.5 (-110)	+850	U 205.5 (-110)

[view latest NBA odds here]

Injury Report as of May 14:

• Celtics: Jay Scrubb (Knee – Out), Kristaps Porzingis (Calf – Out)
• Cavaliers: Ty Jerome (Ankle – Out), Ricky Rubio (Personal – Out), Craig Porter (Ankle – Out), Jarrett Allen (Rib – Out), Donovan Mitchell (Calf – Out)

Head To Head Team Stats:

Team Stat	Celtics Avg. (Rank)	Cavaliers Avg. (Rank)
Points Scored	120.6 (2nd)	112.6 (20th)
Points Allowed	109.2 (5th)	110.2 (7th)
Rebounds	46.3 (2nd)	43.3 (16th)
Offensive Rebounds	10.7 (13th)	9.8 (22nd)
3pt Made	16.5 (1st)	13.5 (7th)
Assists	26.9 (14th)	28 (8th)
Turnovers	11.3 (1st)	12.7 (16th)

Key Players:

Celtics Key Players:

Name	GP	PTS	REB	ASST	STL	BLK	3PM
Jayson Tatum	74	26.9	8.1	4.9	1	0.6	3.1
Jaylen Brown	70	23	5.5	3.6	1.2	0.5	2.1
Derrick White	73	15.2	4.2	5.2	1	1.2	2.7

Cavaliers Key Players:

Name	GP	PTS	REB	ASST	STL	BLK	3PM
Darius Garland	57	18	2.7	6.5	1.3	0.1	2.3
Evan Mobley	50	15.7	9.4	3.2	0.9	1.4	0.4

Betting Trends:

• The Celtics have a 42-40 ATS record this season and have struggled to cover large spreads, going 2-5 ATS when favored by 15.5 points or more.
• The Cavaliers, though underdogs, have an ATS record of 38-42-2 this season.
• Total points for this game are set at 205.5, with historical trends showing the Celtics have exceeded this total in 76 games this season.