Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Picks, Predictions, Odds & Props for Game 5

• The Boston Celtics look to put the Cleveland Cavaliers to bed in Game 5 and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals against one of Indiana or New York.
• The Celtics are looking to advance to the ECF for the 3rd straight year in a row. The last time this happened was 1984-1988.
• Below, see the Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers predictions, odds, and player props for May 15

The Boston Celtics are looking to advance to the Eastern Conference for the third straight year on Wednesday night, facing off against a tired and bruised Cleveland Cavaliers squad that seemed to give all they had left in Game 4 on Monday night.

Cleveland may or may not be without star guard Donovan Mitchell, who missed Monday’s 109-102 loss with a calf injury. Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley have been the heart and soul of the Cavaliers these playoffs, but without Mitchell it just became too difficult for the latter pair to find offense in the late stages of the game.

Facing off against a juggernaut like Boston is tough enough, but can the Cavs bring enough energy to force a Game 6 back in The Land? We’ll find out Wednesday night, with tip set for 7 ET on TNT.

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds

Odds as of May 15 at Fanatics. Claim a Fanatics Promo Code to bet on Celtics vs Cavaliers Game 5.

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As you can see, the Celtics are gigantic favorites for Game 5, and for good reason. The Celtics have lost in Boston just 4 times this season, though it’s worth noting that 2 of those 4 times have been in these playoffs. On top of that, the Celtics have mostly been able avoid the injury bug (knock on wood) apart from center Kristaps Porzingis who will miss Game 5 with a calf injury.

#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs. Cleveland:

Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) – OUT

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 14, 2024

The -15.5 spread is the largest the Celtics have received so far in these playoffs, 2nd place going to Boston’s Game 1 victory against Miami (they were able to cover -14.5 against the Heat). So far in the playoffs Boston is 6-3 ATS while Cleveland is 5-6 ATS and 16-20 as the underdog.

Interested in making a few prop bets tonight? Below is a look at the latest odds for some prop bets of interest.

Celtics vs. Cavaliers Player Props

Player Prop odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. 

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Cavaliers vs. Celtics Game 5 Injury Report

We already know that Kristaps Porzingis will miss Game 5, but what about Donovan Mitchell and Caris LaVert? Well, the Cavaliers currently have 5 players on the injury report while Boston only have Porzingis confirmed to be out.

Here’s a look at the injury report for Wednesday night, via ESPN.

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

We’ve said it already, but it felt like the Cavaliers had to take advantage of their ability to keep things close in Game 4 if they ever wanted to have even the slightest chance of keeping the remainder of this series interesting.

Is that boring analysis? Absolutely. But here’s a look at what the Cavs are trying to do:

1. Become just the 2nd team to beat the Celtics at home more than once this season.
2. Become the 14th team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 deficit.
3. Become the first team since 2020 to erase a 3-1 deficit

All that potentially without a few starters against what has undoubtedly been the best team in the league this season.

Here’s another thing that’s interesting about the Celtics this postseason: They are either blowing teams out or being blown out. All but 2 of the Celtics’ 6 playoff wins this postseason have come by more than 16 points, and their 2 losses have both come by 10 or more points. Only one game has finished in single digits!

Given the Celtics’ dominance this entire season, Cleveland’s strong effort on Monday and a lengthy injury report for the Cavs, I’m going to have to take the Celtics to cover the spread here.

BOS vs. CLE Game 5 pick: Celtics -15.5