Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions May 11th 2024

Cavs and Celtics: Playoff Drama Heats Up

The Cleveland Cavaliers have really shaken things up in their playoff series against the Boston Celtics. After snagging a must-win in Game 2 over in Boston, the series is all tied up, and the Cavs have managed to steal the home-court advantage. With Game 3 on their turf, the excitement is through the roof.

Star Power and Key Plays

Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs’ ace, totally killed it in Game 2, dropping 29 points and steering the team to keep their edge sharp. He’s hyped about the next game in Cleveland, calling it a make-or-break moment for their playoff dreams.

Evan Mobley stepped up big time too, with a solid 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. His defense was on point, keeping the Celtics to just 41.3% shooting. With Jarrett Allen out with a rib injury, Mobley’s game was more crucial than ever.

Then there’s Caris LeVert, who came off the bench and threw down an essential 21 points, showing off the depth and adaptability of the Cavs’ lineup. The team overall shot an impressive 54.7%, which really speaks to their efficiency that night.

Celtics Facing Hurdles

Over on the Celtics’ side, things were a bit rocky. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown didn’t have their best night, both hitting only 7 out of 17 shots. This dip definitely played into their overall performance slump in Game 2, especially after they had dominated the first game.

They’re also feeling the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, who’s out with a calf injury, affecting their game inside the paint and their scoring balance.

Despite the setbacks, Tatum is staying positive. He’s all about bouncing back for Game 3, ready to flip the script. Given their stellar regular-season record of 64-18, the Celtics know a thing or two about overcoming challenges.

What’s Next?

Game 3 is huge for both teams. The Cavs want to ride their home-court advantage to take the lead in the series, while the Celtics are aiming to get back on track and regain control. It’s going to be a critical showdown, filled with tension and high stakes.

As the series continues, the adjustments each team makes will be key to who moves forward. Both teams have shown they can handle pressure — the Cavs with their recent turnaround and the Celtics with their resilience all season. Game 3 isn’t just about basketball skills; it’s about mental toughness and strategic thinking. Get ready, because this playoff battle is just heating up!