NBA Basketball Betting – Celtics, Cavaliers To Renew Eastern Conference Rivalry

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have split their regular season series and will both be looking to make a statement in this contest when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena today at 3:30 PM ET.

Sunday, March 14, 3:30 PM ET
NBA Betting Odds: Cavaliers -7.5
(O/U) 194.5
TV: ABC

Here is a look at tonight’s key head-to-head trends surrounding this contest.

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Cleveland.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Celtics are 7-19-2 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Cleveland.

Boston 411
Celtics are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Celtics are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Celtics are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

Paul Pierce scored a team-high 20 points to lead six players in double figures as the Celtics routed the lowly Indiana Pacers 122-103 on Friday to cover the NBA pro basketball betting odds as 9.5-point home favorites. Point guard Rajon Rondo added a double-double with 16 points with 11 assists in the win.

Cleveland 411
Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

LeBron James had a fine all-around game with 23 points, six rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 100-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

The Cavaliers failed to cover the NBA betting line as a 7.5-point road favorite to fall to 0-4 ATS over the last four games. Veteran point guard Mo Williams added 21 points for the Cavaliers and Delonte West chipped in with 17 in the win.

Analysis: The Cavaliers absolutely spanked the Celtics the last time these two teams met, spanking the C’s 108-88 by outscoring the older Celtics 35-14 in the final period and 60-32 in the second half.

This time out however, I like Boston to cover the spread against the ATS-struggling Cavaliers as they will get the most points they’ve ever gotten as road underdogs against the Cavaliers in nearly three seasons.

I’m not going nuts by saying the Celtics are the better team (they’re not) or even that they’re going to win outright (they won’t).

What I am saying however is that the Celtics have a multitude of reasons to put on a fine showing in this game and deliver a message to the rest of the Eastern Conference that they are not to be taken lightly this postseason after going through some immense struggles recently.

I like the C’s to cover the high point spread and give the Cavs and their backers something to think about heading into the playoffs.

NBA Expert Picks: Celtics +7.5 Points