Boston vs. Cleveland Game 3 betting, odds and free NBA Playoffs tips

Game 3 — Saturday May 19, 8:30 PM EST at Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland, OH

The Celtics lead the series 2-0

At Bovada the Cavaliers are the 6.5-point home favorite with a total of 205.

After winning five in a row including sweeping the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers are down 2-0 in this series after losing the first two games in Boston.

The Celtics won Game 2 107-94 even though they shot a lower overall FG% (43.5% to 46.3%) and they shot the exact same 3-pt FG% of 32.3%. However, Boston forced 15 turnovers and only committed six and they had three more offensive rebounds.

The Cavs got off to a good start in Game 2, as they were up seven points at the half, but were outscored by 20 points in the 2nd half and only scored 17 points in the 4th quarter.

LeBron James did his part in Game 2 having a monster night with a triple double going for 42 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Kevin Love chimed in for 22 points and Kyle Korver was the only other Cleveland player to go for double figures with 11 points.

The starting backcourt duo for the Cavs of George Hill and J.R. Smith were no shows in Game 2 combining for only three points on 1/11 shooting. These guys need to help out on offense and Smith has to knock down some 3’s, which he did not do in Game 2 going 0/4 from deep.

The Celtics had balance in Game 2 with every starter going for at least 11 points led by Jaylen Brown with 23 points and he also had seven boards. He and fellow guard Terry Rozier combined for 41 points and for the Cavs to win this game and get back in the series their backcourt has to provide King James some scoring help.

History is on the side of the Celtics, as they have never lost a series when they were up 2-0.

The Cavs were dominated inside in Game 1 being outscored by 22 points in Game 1 and in Game two they were outscored in the paint by eight points. Boston has been more physical in the series and Cleveland has to turn that around at home. Head coach Ty Lue stated, “We’ve got to be tougher. I think they’re playing tougher than we are.”

The Cavaliers beat the Celtics in the lone regular season match up at Cleveland in the first game of the season for both teams.

Cleveland key betting trends

• Cleveland is 4-10 in their last 14 games
• Cleveland has an Over record of 5-3 in their last 8 games

Boston key betting trends

• Boston is 25-9 ATS in their last 34 games
• Boston is 2-3 ATS on the road in the playoffs

Boston vs. Cleveland prediction

While the Celtics are a perfect 9-0 at home in the playoffs they are 2-3 on the road. The Cavs will get some home cooking in this game and it will do them well, as James will get help and Cleveland will not cough up the rock so much. Cleveland will take this game, cover the 6.5-point spread at Bovada, and get back in the series in what is, pretty much, a must win game.