Total Takedown: Cavaliers at Celtics
TeaTeam Totals. It is a simple bet, one with historical data to leverage and an easy rooting interest to understand. Here, Callie TTs will take you through the game of the day using wit, readily available information, and vibes. I cannot stress this enough. Data and vibes are the backbone of a team total pick. Let's look at the Celtics-Cavaliers game. Celtics Team Total 110.5 (-115)*
Coming off a Game 7 on Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers are headed north to Boston to face a well-rested Celtics team. The Celtics will likely be without Porzingis for the entire series, presenting a disadvantage in the frontcourt. However, Boston is not Orlando. The Celtics have played some historic offensive basketball this season, and the Cavaliers struggled to beat a team that lacks shooting threats.
In the playoffs, the Cavaliers have allowed just 100.2 points per game. In Games 3 and 4, the Magic scored 121 and 113 while shooting 35% and 46% from behind the arc. The Celtics are shooting 38.8% from deep for the season. They are also averaging 113 points against Cleveland this season, 118 at home.
Playoffs generally are lower-scoring. That being said, looking at these data points, being a believer in rest, not rust, and how styles make fights, I believe the Celtics score 111.
The Pick: Celtics 110.5 Over (-115)
Record: 1-0
*This has since moved to 111.5 (-125)