Cavs vs Celtics Prediction, Pick & Odds (Friday, Feb. 28)

• The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night in a battle of the Eastern Conference’s top two teams
• The Celtics are 2.5-point home favorites and -145 on the moneyline
• See below for Cavs vs Celtics predictions, latest odds and Over/Under pick for Feb. 28

The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (48-10) head to TD Garden for a heavyweight clash with the second-seeded Boston Celtics (42-17) on Friday at 7:30 pm ET. It’s an Eastern Conference showdown that could be a preview of the ECF, with both teams jockeying for the top spot.

Cleveland rides into Beantown on an eight-game heater, fresh off a 40-point thrashing of the Magic on Tuesday. Boston looks to bounce back on its home floor after getting surprised by the Pistons 117-97 on Wednesday. The C’s are slight favorites in a game that feels like a toss-up.

Here’s a look at our Cavaliers vs Celtics prediction for Friday night.

Cavaliers vs Celtics Odds

The Celtics enter as slim 2.5-point home chalk, with their -145 moneyline price implying a 59.2% win probability. Boston holds a 2-1 season series edge, but these teams have been evenly matched, with the last two meetings decided by a combined 11 points.

Injuries could play a key role, as the Cavs’ All-Star guard Darius Garland (hip) is questionable while the C’s may be without Jaylen Brown (thigh). But both teams still have ample star power, with Donovan Mitchell leading Cleveland and Jayson Tatum pacing Boston.

Oddsmakers are expecting a shootout, setting the total at a robust 233.5 points. That makes sense given the Cavs and Celtics rank 2nd and 6th in scoring, respectively. The over is 38-20 in Cleveland games this season.

Odds as of February 28, 2025, at BetMGM Sportsbook. Grab a BetMGM bonus code or check out other NBA betting betting apps to wager on this game.

Cavaliers vs Celtics Prediction

This has all the makings of an instant classic between two titans in peak form. The Cavs have been a juggernaut all year, while the Celtics have championship pedigree. In the end, I predict a 116-114 Cleveland win behind a 35-point eruption from Donovan Mitchell, who has torched Boston for 33.7 PPG this season.

The Cavs’ twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen should feast on the glass against an undersized Boston frontcourt, generating extra possessions and putbacks. Darius Garland’s potential absence would sting, but De’Andre Hunter can shoulder more playmaking to keep the offense humming.

Boston certainly has the goods to defend home court. Jayson Tatum is an NBA MVP frontrunner who can take over. Derrick White and Al Horford provide critical support. They’ll keep it tight with their shooting and versatile defense. But sans Jaylen Brown, they may lack the firepower to match a Cavs squad firing on all cylinders.

Cavaliers vs Celtics Picks

• Best Bet: Cavaliers +2.5 (-105) at BetMGM
• Over 233.5 (-115) at BetMGM
• Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 Points (-110)

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Based on my prediction of a narrow Cavs victory in a high-scoring affair, I’m backing Cleveland +2.5 as the best bet. Getting points with the team sporting the NBA’s best record is great value, especially since they’ve covered in 5 of 6. The over also makes sense given these teams’ explosive offenses.

For a player prop, I love Donovan Mitchell over 27.5 points. He’s gone nuclear against Boston this year, averaging 33.7 PPG on scorching 50/43/81 shooting splits. With Garland potentially out, Spida will be ultra-aggressive in hunting his own shot. Lay the -110 for a 30-piece.

Ultimately, this game feels like a coin flip that should come down to the final possessions. I’ll gladly take the points with the team boasting the Association’s best record in that scenario. Ride the red-hot Cavs, the over, and Mitchell in what should be a wildly entertaining slugfest.

CLE vs BOS Injury Report