This will be the easiest series ever for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re big time underdogs and nobody expects them to advance, so anything they get is a massive bonus. Surviving the series against Orlando was a top priority and they did just that. In Game 7 they were down by as many as 18 points in the first half, but stormed back and won, making it the biggest comeback in Game 7 history. Donovan Mitchell once again led the way with 39 points, the Cavs relied on their paint scoring once more with 50 of their 106 points coming from there. Will they be able to use that tactic in this series too? It'll be tough as the Celtics finished the regular season as the 8th best team in opponent points in the paint per game, allowing just 47.4 a night.
Boston’s first round series was a lot easier as they dispatched of the Miami Heat in 5 games, winning by double digit every single time. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though, they did lose Kristaps Porzingis to an injury which could keep him out of this series too. Although they’re still heavy favorites to advance, KP’s presence makes them almost unbeatable against most opponents. During the regular season they went 2-1 SU vs the Cavs, losing the most recent meeting on the road 105-104, you might remember that game from the fact that Boston blew a 22-point lead which ended an 11-game win streak for them. Game 1 sees the Celtics as 11.5 point favorites, neither of their two wins during the regular season at TD Garden were bigger than 9 points.
