The Cleveland Cavaliers will attempt to earn their first win of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in Game 3 on Saturday when they host the Boston Celtics as solid home favorites at the sportsbooks.
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The Cavaliers dropped the first two games of the series on the road at TD Garden, where the Celtics have gone a perfect 9-0 straight up and against the spread this postseason.
NBA point spread: The Cavaliers opened as five-point favorites; the total is at 205, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. Line updates and matchup report.
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NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 106.6-103.9, Cleveland. NBA picks on every game.
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Why the Celtics Can Cover the Spread
While Boston has been outstanding at home, the team also found a way to win on the road with a 101-98 overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers in the last round. That win put the Celtics up 3-0 on the 76ers, something they are hoping to do in Cleveland as well.
Boston's defense has definitely been the difference in the first two games, limiting the opposition to an average of 88.5 points, with LeBron James responsible for nearly a third of his team's offense. As long as the Celtics can continue to hold the other Cavaliers in check, they will have a great shot to advance.
Why the Cavaliers Can Cover the Spread
Home court will be critical to Cleveland's chances of moving on, and the crowd at Quicken Loans Arena will be counted on to play a key role.
The Cavaliers have won five straight home games since they suffered a 98-80 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their first-round series. Their last victory there was also their best, a 128-93 rout of the top-seeded Toronto Raptors as five-point favorites to complete the sweep, with all five starters scoring in double figures. James will need a similar effort from his teammates in this spot.
Smart Betting Pick
While Cleveland is riding a five-game winning streak at home, the three-time defending Eastern Conference champion has gone just 1-7 ATS despite going 6-2 SU in their past eight at Quicken Loans Arena dating back to the regular season. Bettors should expect a similar result, with the Cavaliers winning but failing to cover the spread again.
NBA Betting Trends
Boston is 7-1 ATS in its past eight games.
Boston is 16-8 ATS in its past 24 games on the road.
Cleveland is 1-7 ATS in its past eight games at home.
All NBA odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.
