Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers November 2 Betting Preview

In a classic Eastern Conference matchup that has blossomed into a rivalry over the past two decades, the Cleveland Cavaliers (5-1) play host to the (4-2) Boston Celtics this Wednesday evening. The Cavs are looking to build on their five-game winning streak in a game with the Celtics who are set as a two-point favorite. 

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Boston Celtics Preview

The Celtics will heavily rely on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. In the Cavs and Celtics' previous matchup last week, Tatum and Brown connected for 32 points each. Considering J.B. Bickerstaff's commitment to stout defense on the wings, I can expect the Cavs to focus on taking one or both of them out of the offense. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

On the Cavs side, there is some optimism that Darius Garland will be back soon, but it is still unclear when.

Fortunately for Cavs fans, Donovan Mitchell has taken over the reins and provided more than enough scoring to compensate for Garland's absence. Mitchell is averaging 32 points a game, and in his last showing against the Celtics, he dropped an electric 41 points while raining it in from behind the arc. 

As usual, he will be supported by the dynamic duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, but what makes this Cavs team so exciting is seeing which player outside of the Cavs big four surges for what fans know as the "Cavalanche." In the last outing against the Celtics, Caris LeVert rose to the occassion matching Donovan Mitchell's 41 points. 

While everyone would love to see another impressive showing from LeVert, the Cavs have to feel confident with some key players off the bench in Cedi Osman and Kevin Love. 

A Look Into The Numbers

Currently, the Celtics are averaging about 116 points a game, while the Cavs have given up 105 points a game on average. 

This matchup will come down to the Cavs critical stops in the 4th quarter, as many expect this to be close the whole game. When the Cavs give up fewer than 116 points a game, they are 4-1 on the season. 

If you are interested in individual player props, three main props stick out to me when putting my betslip together. The first is Al Horford not going over 7.5 rebounds (-142). It's hard to battle against the two Cavs trees in the paint, and I expect Horford to be heavily involved in high pick-and-pop plays at the top of the key. 

The second player prop that is enticing is Jayson Tatum going for under 3.5 threes (-162) and under 27.5 total points (-113). We should see the Cavs defense lock in.