Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites for Sunday 5/13/18
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (+1.5, 204)
The Boston Celtics have thrived as underdogs and they get a chance to relish the role again when they take on the almighty LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final for the second straight season, beginning with Game 1 on Sunday in Boston. The NBA Playoffs betting odds have Cleveland pegged as a 1.5-point road favorite with the total at 204 points.
James steamrolled through the first two rounds of the playoffs while averaging 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and nine assists, throwing in a pair of buzzer-beaters along the way. Cleveland went 3-1 ATS in its four-game sweep of Toronto after covering just once in its six games against Indiana.
"I haven't reflected on it," James told reporters when asked about the opportunity to reach the NBA Finals for an eighth straight time. "But I do know that this is my eighth straight conference finals, and I have an opportunity to play for a championship if I'm able to be successful in this conference finals, so I don't take that for granted."
Standing in his way is an inspiring bunch in Boston that took care of the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the semifinals, riding a much more balanced attack led by rookie Jayson Tatum (23.6 points per game versus the 76ers). Point guard Terry Rozier has become a star since replacing injured All-Star and former Cavalier Kyrie Irving, as "Scary Terry" is averaging 18.2 points in the playoffs while guiding a gritty group.
"We weren't gonna lay down for nobody, no matter who was counting us out," Rozier told reporters of the postseason run. "We weren't going to just let the teams come in and punk us. We were the No. 2 seed for a reason. With injuries, without, we were the No. 2 seed, so obviously we were doing something great all season. ... We'd rather [the media] count us out. We don't want anybody on our side now. We're doing good and we play better when our back is against the wall."
Boston went 4-1 ATS in the five games versus Philadelphia and is 9-3 ATS in the playoffs heading into the Eastern Conference finals.
Note: Not every online sportsbook is the same. Thinking of placing a bet? Check which top rated sports betting sites have been reviewed first.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
SERIES PRICE (PER BET365): Cleveland -300/Boston +240
LINE HISTORY: Boston opened as at -1.5 at some sportsbooks and money on the road side moved the spread over the fence to Cleveland -1.5. The total opened at 205.5 points and has been bet down to 204 points.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We had Cleveland as a 1-point favorite over Boston in our initial line. There has been early action on the Cavaliers with both the sharps and the public backing Cleveland. We think the line will finish closer to a pick 'em though, as sharp money puts their trust in Brad Stevens' coaching skills and the Celtics' big home-court advantage. The total has had some movement too. We opened it at 205 and saw a strong push towards the Under due to a couple of our sharp players. The line has risen a bit since then, but it is still less than what we opened at." -- Jacob Crossman, odds analyst BetDSI.eu.
WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Both teams pulled series upsets in the previous round to set up a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals which Cleveland won 4-1. The Celtics now hold home court advantage and have the better head coach and defense, but Cleveland still has the best player with LeBron James." -- Covers Expert Steve Merril.
INJURY REPORT: Boston - J. Tatum (Probable, Hand), S. Larkin (Doubtful, Shoulder)
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (58-35 SU, 36-56-1 ATS, 44-47-2 O/U): Kevin Love averaged 22.6 points and 12.4 rebounds in last season's conference finals against Boston and seems primed to help out James after finishing the second-round sweep of the Toronto Raptors in fine fashion. The 29-year-old scored at least 21 points in each of the final three games of that series after averaging 10.9 points on 31.9 percent shooting in his first eight contests this postseason, a stretch which drew some criticism in Cleveland. "You see it every day, whether it's politics or sports or pop culture," Love told the media of the fan reaction to his slump. "There's this 24-hour news cycle and there has to be some sort of story. Like I said after Game 2 [against the Raptors], 'I didn't forget how to play basketball.' Sometimes it's a bad matchup. I was missing some uncharacteristic shots. But there were other things I was doing out there. It's not I just forgot how to play."
ABOUT THE CELTICS (63-31 SU, 59-33-2 ATS, 51-42-1 O/U): The Celtics struggled to slow down James in the one-sided matchup last spring - won by Cleveland in five games - but they feel they have more men to throw at him this time around. "With this group, we have more depth in [the perimeter] positions, suited more to guard LeBron," big man Al Horford told the media. "We have a lot more bodies to take on that challenge." Horford, who will be one of the many players to mark James at one time or another, is averaging 17 points on 57.8 percent shooting in the playoffs.
TRENDS:
* Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Boston.
* Cavaliers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.
* Celtics are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Boston.
* Road team is 15-5-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
Preview: Cavaliers at Celtics
Gracenote
May 12, 2018
The Boston Celtics have thrived as underdogs and they get a chance to relish the role again when they take on the almighty LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final for the second straight season, beginning with Game 1 on Sunday in Boston. James steamrolled through the first two rounds of the playoffs while averaging 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and nine assists, throwing in a pair of buzzer-beaters along the way.
"I haven't reflected on it," James told reporters when asked about the opportunity to reach the NBA Finals for an eighth straight time. "But I do know that this is my eighth straight conference finals, and I have an opportunity to play for a championship if I'm able to be successful in this conference finals, so I don't take that for granted." Standing in his way is an inspiring bunch in Boston that took care of the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the semifinals, riding a much more balanced attack led by rookie Jayson Tatum (23.6 points per game versus the 76ers). Point guard Terry Rozier has become a star since replacing injured All-Star and former Cavalier Kyrie Irving, as "Scary Terry" is averaging 18.2 points in the playoffs while guiding a gritty group. "We weren't gonna lay down for nobody, no matter who was counting us out," Rozier told reporters of the postseason run. "We weren't going to just let the teams come in and punk us. We were the No. 2 seed for a reason. With injuries, without, we were the No. 2 seed, so obviously we were doing something great all season. ... We'd rather [the media] count us out. We don't want anybody on our side now. We're doing good and we play better when our back is against the wall."
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: Kevin Love averaged 22.6 points and 12.4 rebounds in last season's conference finals against Boston and seems primed to help out James after finishing the second-round sweep of the Toronto Raptors in fine fashion. The 29-year-old scored at least 21 points in each of the final three games of that series after averaging 10.9 points on 31.9 percent shooting in his first eight contests this postseason, a stretch which drew some criticism in Cleveland. "You see it every day, whether it's politics or sports or pop culture," Love told the media of the fan reaction to his slump. "There's this 24-hour news cycle and there has to be some sort of story. Like I said after Game 2 [against the Raptors], 'I didn't forget how to play basketball.' Sometimes it's a bad matchup. I was missing some uncharacteristic shots. But there were other things I was doing out there. It's not I just forgot how to play."
ABOUT THE CELTICS: The Celtics struggled to slow down James in the one-sided matchup last spring - won by Cleveland in five games - but they feel they have more men to throw at him this time around. "With this group, we have more depth in [the perimeter] positions, suited more to guard LeBron," big man Al Horford told the media. "We have a lot more bodies to take on that challenge." Horford, who will be one of the many players to mark James at one time or another, is averaging 17 points on 57.8 percent shooting in the playoffs.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Cleveland won three games at Boston by an average of 30 points in last season's conference finals and also won by 22 at TD Garden in the most recent matchup between the teams Feb. 11.
2. Celtics PG Shane Larkin (shoulder) is likely unavailable until late in the series.
3. Tatum is a cousin of Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue and Tatum's godfather is James' former teammate, Larry Hughes.
PREDICTION: Cavaliers 106, Celtics 104
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ATS Trends
Cleveland
Cavaliers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Cavaliers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Cavaliers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Cavaliers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Conference Finals games.
Cavaliers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Cavaliers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Boston
Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Celtics are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games.
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Central.
Celtics are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Celtics are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 games overall.
Celtics are 49-22-2 ATS in their last 73 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 50-23-1 ATS in their last 74 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 35-17-1 ATS in their last 53 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Celtics are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Conference Finals games.
OU Trends
Cleveland
Under is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 overall.
Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 13-5 in Cavaliers last 18 games following a ATS win.
Over is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 road games.
Over is 10-4 in Cavaliers last 14 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Boston
Over is 3-0-1 in Celtics last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 9-2 in Celtics last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 8-2 in Celtics last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 16-5 in Celtics last 21 home games.
Over is 12-4 in Celtics last 16 overall.
Over is 12-4 in Celtics last 16 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 games following a straight up win.
Over is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 Conference Finals games.
Over is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston.
Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Boston.
Road team is 15-5-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
NBA(733) CLEVELAND @ (734) BOSTON | 05/13/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play ON BOSTON using the money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 22 Wins and 6 Losses this season (+18.85 units)
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NBA(733) CLEVELAND @ (734) BOSTON | 05/13/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play OVER CLEVELAND on the first half total in Road games on Sunday games
The record is 13 Overs and 0 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.00 units)
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NBA(733) CLEVELAND @ (734) BOSTON | 05/13/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play ON BOSTON against the spread in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 22 Wins and 5 Losses this season (+16.50 units)
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NBA(733) CLEVELAND @ (734) BOSTON | 05/13/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play UNDER BOSTON on the first half total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 16 Overs and 36 Unders this season (+18.40 units)
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NBA(733) CLEVELAND @ (734) BOSTON | 05/13/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play OVER BOSTON on the total in Home games in all playoff games
The record is 14 Overs and 2 Unders for the last two seasons (+11.80 units)
Updated 2018 NBA Playoffs betting stats heading into conference finals:
Home Teams:
46-18 Straight Up
35-28-1 ATS (55.55%)
Favorites:
49-15 Straight Up
37-26-1 ATS (58.73%)
Over-Under: 32-32
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NBA
Long Sheet
Sunday, May 13
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CLEVELAND (58 - 35) at BOSTON (63 - 31) - 5/13/2018, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 36-55 ATS (-24.5 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-48 ATS (-31.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 57-33 ATS (+20.7 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOSTON is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) in home games this season.
BOSTON is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a division game this season.
BOSTON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games in all playoff games this season.
BOSTON is 22-5 ATS (+16.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BOSTON is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 36-18 ATS (+16.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-7 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 11-4 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NBA
Sunday, May 13
Trend Report
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 16 games
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Boston's last 11 games at home
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games when playing at home against Cleveland