Celtics vs Cavaliers Game 6: Could This be LeBron’s Final Game as a Cav?

• LeBron James and the Cavs have their backs against the wall. Can they stave off elimination and force a Game 7?
• Will JR Smith and Kyle Korver shake off their stupor and provide LeBron with the help he needs?
• Will Jayson Tatum continue his fearless postseason play?

LeBron James and the Cavaliers find themselves on the brink of elimination for the second time in the 2018 Playoffs as they face the Celtics tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The last time Cleveland was in this situation was on April 29th when they defeated Indiana 105-101 in Game 7 of their first round series. LeBron overcame leg cramps and stifling defense in that one to score 45 points in 43 minutes. It was one of the most remarkable performances of his career, and he’ll need to be just as good again tonight to keep the Cavs’ championship hopes alive.

There’s little doubt that LeBron will deliver another signature moment (or two), but the question is whether his teammates will also rise to the occasion. Kevin Love was the only other Cav to score in double figures in Cleveland’s deflating 96-83 Game 5 loss, and fellow starters George Hill, JR Smith, and Tristan Thompson combined for just ten points in 82 minutes.

That’s been the story of the 2018 Playoffs for the Cavs: When LeBron gets help they win. When he doesn’t, they get crushed. King James may be one of the greatest players of all time, but he’ll need his teammates to spread the court and hit some open shots to extend his postseason reign.

Celtics vs Cavaliers Team Playoff Stats

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Head-to-Head Playoff Results

Notable Injuries and Absences

Game 6 Prediction: Cavaliers 106-98

The Cavaliers are seven point favorites and it isn’t hard to understand why. Cleveland has averaged 113.5 points per game at home this series compared to just 86.6 points in Boston. The real difference has been the comfort level of the Cavs’ role players as they seem to flourish at the Q. That was especially evident in Cleveland’s convincing 116-86 Game 3 victory as the bench chipped in 42 points and six players scored in double digits.

LeBron is also very, very good in playoff elimination games. James has won 12 of the 21 elimination games he’s appeared in and has averaged 33.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in those matches. There are few players who are better with their back against the wall and you count on him putting forth a super human effort again tonight.

Game 7 is another matter altogether, but Game 6 will belong to the Cavs.

Team Trends

See the latest odds for every game during the 2018 NBA Playoffs.