Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Picks and Predictions, February 4, 2025
The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to clash on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This matchup features two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, both looking to gain momentum as the season progresses. Below, we analyze key matchups, betting trends, and our best picks for this game.
Game Preview
Boston Celtics
The Celtics enter this game as one of the league's best teams, boasting an elite combination of scoring, defense, and depth. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, Boston has been dominant on both ends of the floor. The offseason addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis has added even more firepower and defensive versatility.
Boston has won seven of their last nine games, maintaining one of the best records in the NBA. They thrive on three-point shooting, ranking in the top five in both attempts and efficiency. Their ability to stretch the floor and lock down opponents defensively makes them one of the toughest teams to beat.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have been a strong team all season, with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen forming a formidable core. Despite some injuries earlier in the year, Cleveland has found a rhythm, winning six of their last eight games.
Cleveland’s strength lies in its defense, ranking among the top teams in opponent points per game and defensive efficiency. The presence of Mobley and Allen in the paint makes it difficult for opponents to score inside. However, their offense can sometimes become too reliant on Mitchell’s shot-making, which may be a concern against Boston’s elite perimeter defenders.
Key Matchups
Jayson Tatum vs. Evan Mobley
Tatum is one of the most complete offensive players in the league, but Mobley’s length and defensive instincts could challenge him. If Tatum can get into an offensive rhythm early, Boston will have a big advantage.
Jaylen Brown vs. Donovan Mitchell
Two elite two-way players will go head-to-head in what should be a thrilling battle. Mitchell is a pure scorer, while Brown brings a strong mix of scoring and defense. Whoever wins this matchup could determine the outcome.
Kristaps Porziņģis vs. Jarrett Allen
Porziņģis provides spacing and shot-blocking for Boston, but he will be tested by Allen’s rebounding and physicality in the paint. If Allen dominates the boards, Cleveland could control the tempo of the game.
Betting Trends
Celtics are 6-3 ATS (against the spread) in their last nine games.
Cavaliers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
The UNDER has hit in six of Cleveland’s last eight games.
Boston has won four of the last five meetings against Cleveland.
Picks and Predictions
🏀 Spread Pick: Boston Celtics -4.5
Boston’s depth, defense, and experience make them a strong pick to cover the spread.
🔥 Total Points Pick: UNDER 218.5
Both teams are elite defensively, and this game could be a low-scoring battle.
💰 Player Prop Bet: Jayson Tatum Over 26.5 Points
Tatum has been on fire recently and will likely be the focal point of Boston’s offense.
Final Prediction
Boston Celtics 110 - Cleveland Cavaliers 102
The Celtics’ three-point shooting, defense, and depth should give them the edge in this hard-fought matchup. Expect Boston to pull away late in a game that could be close through three quarters.
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